Facebook helps roll out a new sports team for Norfolk
Sam EmanuelA love of the 1950s and some social networking has led to the formation of Norfolk's first women's roller derby team, which will soon be competing against teams from across the country.Sam Emanuel
A love of the 1950s and some social networking has led to the formation of Norfolk's first women's roller derby team, which will soon be competing against teams from across the country.
The team - known as The Norfolk Brawds because its members are tough Norfolk girls - was formed when Norwich City College student Amy Moore came across a website about the sport and posted a message on the Facebook website.
Now it has dozens of members who meet up several times a week to practice and enjoy socialising together. Amy, 28, said: 'I like the 1950s and when I was looking at some 50s websites I came across some pictures of girls doing roller derby. I thought it looked good fun so I bought some cheap skates off the internet, and put a message on Facebook asking whether anyone fancied trying it.
'Within an hour I had about 20 replies from people who were interested, some from people I didn't know who were friends of friends, and we met up at Funky's Roller Skating rink in Norwich. I can't believe how quickly it's spiralled.
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'Our team is registered with the UK Derby Association and we are aiming to compete within eight to 12 months - we all need to have a certain number of skills first, such as being able to stop safely - but it gives us time to do some fundraising and hold some events first.'
Players must be over 18 to compete, as it is classified as a contact sport. It involves formation roller skating around an oval track, with points scored as two individual players lap members of their opposing teams. People known as blockers try to stop this skater, and also try to stop blockers from the opposing team from getting in the way of their own skater. The team is looking for more members, as they will need at least 15 players who are match-fit for every game to allow for substitutions.
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Anyone interesting in joining can find out more by going to the team social event at the Karma Caf� on Bedford Street from 7.30pm on Friday, June 4. Tickets cost �3, and there will be DJs, cocktails and cupcakes. Alternatively, they can email thenorfolkbrawds@hotmail.co.uk.
