FAQs & How to join
Please read this FAQ and then click on the link at the bottom to join!
Erm, what is roller derby?
Roller Derby is a contact sport played on roller skates (not roller blades) and is the fastest growing sport in Europe. Check out some videos on Youtube to learn more!
How much does the course cost?
The first session is free! Each session after that is £7, which includes kit hire, so you don't even need your own skates! All you need is a drink, comfortable gym clothes and a positive attitude.
What will I be doing?
The course is for brand new to intermediate level skaters. Your first sessions will be focused on basic skating skills. Our coaches will cover things like balance, stride, correct stance and stopping safely. The rest of the course focuses on intermediate skills, including making contact with other skaters (blocking). When you are competent and confident in these areas, you will graduate Freshie and can begin attending league sessions on Thursdays.
What will I get from the course?
Friends. Confidence. Pride. New skills. Fitness. Weight loss. Travel opportunities. Family. Fun. Laughs. A feeling of achievement. A group of people who accept you no matter what. We frequently spend time together outside of training, we even help each other move house. We laugh, we cry, we sing and we dance. Best of all, we skate.
When/Where is it?
Our 12 week course is held on a Friday nights, 8:00pm - 10pm. We train at Harraby Campus Sports, Edgehill Road, Carlisle, CA1 3PP. We promise it's worth giving up your Friday evening!
How long does the course last?
Most of the time they last between 8-12 weeks, depending on how fast the group progresses.
…but I have never skated before!
No problem! We teach you everything you need to know, and we even provide all the kit if you don't have your own! Many of our members came to us with no experience!
Cool! How do I join BCRD?
Our new skater intake for 2024 will be starting on 26th April. Join the waiting list and drop us a message on our socials and we will get in touch!
To put your name down on the waiting list, click HERE.
We also hold regular social events that you can pop along to while you’re waiting for the next course to begin. Keep your eyes peeled on our socials.
What People Are Saying about our Freshie and Rookie courses
"The fresh meat course was so much fun. I had skated for a little while before the course started and was amazed at how the coaches managed to differentiate the tasks for the 'freshies'. There was a constant friendly and supportive environment. I've made some very good friends and really enjoyed the experience. I loved learning derby skating and felt the new skills were an exciting challenge. I learned lots, the course has genuinely improved my skating. The weekly course was planned well and delivered by some fantastic people. I would whole heartedly recommend the fresh meat course to both new and experienced skaters, its a brilliant way to meet like minded people develop and improve skills in a friendly environment"
— Alison
"I am so pleased I signed up for Fresh Meat. I was made so welcome and now feel like one of the BCRD family. Their love of the game is infectious and I soon caught the bug. The league members were always so generous with their time and seem to have a natural way of being able to share their skills through demonstrations, descriptions, patience and encouragement"
— Mel
"I heard about BCRD through friends and signed up for the Cake and Skate day in summer 2018. I hadn't skated since my teens, though I loved it then, and figured such a joyous combination could only be a positive experience. While I was prepared for fun, I wasn't prepared for the sheer generosity of spirit that BCRD's members possessed. I was so inspired by their positivity, enthusiasm and encouragement. Eventually in June 2019 I had the chance to sign up for the summer Fresh Meat course.
Right from the off, I've been made to feel so welcome. I'm not sporty or competitive, but that has been no disadvantage at all. The coaches are friendly and understanding and just want to pass on their love of derby. The course is well-structured, building on confidence as much as skill. And while there's lots to love about the sport, what really keeps me coming back is the awesome sense of community and belonging. It's such an inclusive and open safe space, and even after a long and tiring week I rush through to Carlisle on a Friday night feeling excited and leave the session exhilarated and invigorated.
Words can't really describe the feeling that comes from being with so many openhearted people, gathering together with a common aim and spreading love and acceptance, but I liken it to a friendly mafia, and as soon as you walk through the door to join BCRD you'll understand completely!"
— Lisa