It’s the roller derby world’s term for a new derby skater, not necessarily one who isn’t already a skilled skater, but for anyone new to the specific sport.
After forming its first team — the Peaches — just seven months ago, in August last year, the club has grown to 21 members and been awarded a Greater Shepparton City Council ‘Our Sporting Future’ grant.
President Ash Sulman said it would enable the club to enhance its programs, bringing “even more action-packed roller derby excitement to our community”.
“The Our Sporting Future program supports community sporting organisations with projects and programs for new and emerging sports across the region,” she said.
The club will hold two information sessions, on March 29 and April 1, for people to come along and find out what it’s all about by watching, trying or asking questions.
Skater Dunn Damage said training with the Peaches had been a blast.
“It’s so much fun, and when you finally nail a new skill, it’s an amazing feeling,” she said.
“The group is super inclusive and welcoming, which makes it easy to fit in. I’m really looking forward to getting out there and representing the club in a scrim soon.”
Another member, Miz Pixie, said she had lived roller derby for the past 14 years, having been a keen spectator when she was younger.
“I love roller derby. It’s (been) my life since 2011,” she said.
“GVRD is a welcoming league to everyone that wants to learn and play roller derby.
“Being a part of this league has been the best thing I have done.”
Mrs Sulman’s mum, known by her derby name, Quadmother, has co-founded two roller derby clubs with her daughter, GV Roller Derby being the second.
“Our Peaches are the sweetest people you could ever want to know,” she said.
“The vibe of our club is so positive and uplifting, you can’t help but feel joyful when we are together.”
Anyone interested in joining is reminded they don’t have to commit to playing competition games.
They can simply sign up to learn how to skate and train purely for fitness, as membership fees help the club to pay its expenses, so all skating, non-skating, playing and non-playing members are welcome.
“Our freshie skating teaches you how to skate and fall and stop; learning how to stop and how to fall safely is so important,” Mrs Sulman said.
“And I often hear people say, ‘I’m too old for that’.
“My mum started when she was 50. You’re never too old.”
The information session on Saturday, March 29, will start at 2pm at the Shepparton Baptist Church, 600 Wyndham St.
The one on Tuesday, April 1, will start at 6pm at the Shepparton Showgrounds (in the multipurpose shed, enter via gate six off Archer St).
Both sessions will run for two hours.
The Peaches will also host a sausage sizzle at Bunnings on Easter Sunday to raise funds for the club.
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