An exciting and inclusive spectator sport, roller derby has typically been family-friendly in Vancouver. Kids and husbands welcome. Boyfriends, girlfriends, wives, siblings and parents, too, it goes without saying.
When the Vancouver Junior Roller Derby League was created a year ago, it became even easier for kids to get in on the action. Now there are 30 registered members aged six to 18.
The first contemporary youth league began in Austin, Texas in 2007 and there are now more than 85 leagues listed with the Junior Roller Derby Association.
Jaydeen Williams, a roller derby rookie witht he Terminal City Rollergirls and executive director with the outdoor education program for at-risk youth, Take A Hike, helped launch the Vancouver league last April. Burg Weber and Roan Reimer, a teen player, have also been instrumental in forming the league.
The junior league introduces boys and girls to the skills and rules of roller derby. They practise twice a week at Trout Lake Community Centre and the Vancouver Curling Club and will soon compete in games.
Although not affiliated with the Terminal City Rollergirls, some players help at training and round out the roster of skilled derby coaches.
