Albany Roller Derby League return to track after months out of action

After months out of action, Albany Roller Derby re-opened this week as they returned to their home, The Track, from yesterday.

Albany Roller Derby was forced into a complete shutdown in March because of the COVID-19 pandemic but the doors were reopened for the first time this week as roller derby training, roller discos and kids’ programs, like the popular Skate Like a Girl and Junior Roller Skate, returned.

Club president Natalie Jarvis said there was great excitement among members with the re-opening of The Track.

“We have always been so well supported by the Albany community and we are asking again that they show their support by attending our roller discos, skating programs and joining roller derby as a new skater,” she said.

“Like many community sporting clubs, Albany Roller Derby relies on fundraising activities to generate income to afford the commercial lease on The Track, so community participation is vital in keeping the venue open into the future.”

Junior Roller Skate and Skate Like a Girl programs start in Term 3 and the club aims to get all other activities back on track as soon as possible.

The club has implemented COVID-19 cleaning and distancing protocols and a safety officer has been appointed and volunteers are stepping up to make sure all activities are safe and follow guidelines.

There will be no shared safety equipment and hire skates will be disinfected after each use.

Jarvis said Albany Roller Derby restarting was made possible thanks to the hard work of the executive team, coaches and track manager.