1) When did you join CCR and why?

So, I joined CCR in 2010 for the 1st time and then re-joined in Jan 2019 after a 2 year secondment to Rainy. I have a friend who is a serial hobbier who picked up a flier in a bar in town. She talked me into going for a session, and we skated round and I was like ‘this is a bit boring’ and didn’t go back for another 6 months, until I saw a live game and realised what a mistake I had made. Roller Derby was FAR from boring and I knew it was the sport for me, signed up and never looked back.

2) Favourite Derby memory?

I have so many good memories at CCR… I really don’t think I can pick one. Any of the times we got a medal for anything.

3) Which position do you play?

I am a blocker and my favourite roles are the defensive ones.

4) Derby hero?

Hmmm… there are so many derby heroes in the world, but my favourite CCR hero is Woo! I really envy her unbreakable commitment to training and self-improvement and she’s incredibly strong. She always inspires me to try harder, even in the face of adversity, and keep a sensible head on.

5)Derby goals?

I really want to master some more footwork goals tbh! I’m not a very graceful skater and one day I hope to add a bit of style to my style!

6) Most embarrassing derby moment?

Hmm… when I challenged some team mates to a rap battle on a street in Ghent at an afterparty? I think on average it took me about 5 minutes to think up each line…

On the track, falling over carrying a giant CCR flag in a skate out when I was co-captain for CCR’s B Team. I was trying to make my mom proud.

1) When did you join CCR and why?

I joined CCR in June 2018. I transferred because I wanted the opportunity to develop my skills and be pushed to become a better skater.

2) Favourite Derby memory?

I don’t think I have a specific favourite derby memory on track, its all the bits that go alongside it: the weird games that you make up to pass the time on road trips, stops at a variety of services, brunches, after parties, home game atmosphere…

3) Which position do you play?

Forever a brace. Also pivot on occasion for the B team.

4) Derby hero?

The people that taught me to skate – that taught me how to crossover, transition, plow stop – all the stuff that seems super scary when you are learning – for the patience they put into explaining the basics .

5) Derby goals?

I think I have had the same two goals for the entire time I have played: plough harder; communicate more. But now also, become a full A team member.

6) Most embarrassing derby moment?

I mean it would probably be the time that me and my jammer wiped each other out as I was going to the box and they were leaving at a champs game. Mainly because it really hurt.

Weston Super Clare

1) When did you join CCR and why?

I transferred to CCR in 2011 when I came to Birmingham to complete my MSc in Hydrogeology at Birmingham uni. They seemed like an alright bunch so I stayed… and it’s my 8th CCRiversary this year.

2) Favourite Derby memory?

So many! I’ve really loved travelling and staying together as a team, and all the associated interpretative dance-offs and pool parties that come with that. Together we’ve been to the USA and all over europe; Miami, Colorado, Berlin, Ghent, and Gothenburg to name a few.

3) Which position do you play?

Jammer for life, baby.

4) Derby hero?

In the interest of word count I’m going to keep this brief; Freight Train, Scald Eagle, Curly Haar, Loren Mutch and also every jammer ever- it’s a hard life and you’re smashing it

5) Derby goals?

I’m currently working on improving control when I use my edges and my explosivity to exploit gaps as they appear. I’m aspiring to master that ‘falling but also skating and also staying in bounds’ style that just blows my mind, man. Our jammer school has been super helpful in building my confidence to try new skills.

6) Most embarrassing derby moment?

But in all seriousness, I don’t really embarrass that easily, mainly due to the SHEER VOLUME of embarrassing things I do.

Some highlights: there’s the time I was hit off track at a Dublin game and managed to end up sitting neatly between some spectators in the bleachers. When faced with Optimus Grime as the last blocker out the front of a pack at one of the Louisey Rider Cup tournys I decided to squeak and very elaborately call off the jam to much amusement from the crowd. There’s also the time I stopped a little too late and totalled Anton Deck (one of our excellent refs) and we ended up sprawled on the outside of the track together during a game against London Brawl Saints…. the list goes on. I also think I have photos of all of these incidents.