Granite City Roller Derby set to host first public home game after five Covid-hit years.
It started in a Toys R Us car park. Seventeen years ago, a group of people strapped on roller skates in the Berryden retail park and got something going. This Saturday, Granite City Roller Derby host their first public game day in Aberdeen since before the pandemic.
Covid hit the league hard. Members drifted away during the long stretches when training wasn’t possible, and when things reopened, the numbers had thinned. The Beach Leisure Centre, their long-time home venue, was demolished. Finding a space big enough to host a bout isn’t straightforward, and the public-facing side of things went on hold while they rebuilt.
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The Beacon has changed everything
On Saturday 28th February, the Bucksburn venue hosts three teams and three games as part of the 5 Nations tournament. GCRD’s Northern Knights take on Chaos Engine from Manchester and Wearside Roller Derby. Doors open at 10am, with play running until 4pm. Tickets are £10 at the door, concessions £7, and under-10s get in free.
Two teams, roller skates, full contact. One player from each side scores points by lapping the opposition while their teammates block, shove, and generally get in the way. There are also roles for people who’d rather stay off the track: referees and non-skating officials are part of the sport, and GCRD recruits for those too.
Who actually turns up?
The membership might surprise you. “Mums, dads, students, teachers, nurses, creatives, plumbers,” says Laura Nox, head of promotion for the league. “You name it, we probably have a member who does it.” Ages run from 20 to well into the 40s.
The league’s inclusivity, particularly around LGBTQIA+ identity, is central rather than incidental. Roller derby as a whole has long positioned itself as a sport where marginalised people are welcome, and GCRD holds that line. “In this day and age, where marginalised groups are being targeted within sports specifically, it’s imperative that we stand by our LGBTQIA+ people and make our safe space known,” says Laura.
Getting involved
Alongside the bouts, there’ll be merch stalls, a raffle, and homebakes. Selling cakes for charity is a roller derby tradition. It’s that kind of sport.
Laura is clear about what a good day looks like: “Everyone has fun. We hope Granite gets two wins, but we really just love getting more opportunities to do the sport we love.” If watching sparks something, GCRD’s next new intake is on 8th March. No prior skating experience needed, and their Facebook page has the sign-up details. “Once you’re part of the community, you’re stuck with us,” says Laura. Given that the league has been going for 17 years, that seems about right.
