Intake coming September 7th 2025
“I joined a new skater intake in 2022 having never skated a day in my life! I had to be held up like Bambi on ice every session for a few weeks before I finally started to get the hang of things, and I was really nervous about making a fool of myself, but everyone was so lovely and supportive. Every time I achieved something, everyone was so proud, and it felt amazing! Playing roller derby has also really given me confidence in myself, showing me that I can do things I never thought I'd be able to do. I didn't think I would ever jump or spin on skates, or skate on one foot, but 3 years later I can do it almost without thinking! EMORD are also a community of wonderful people that I'm so grateful to be able to hang out and skate with every week. I'd recommend it to anyone to try something new!”
- PenPen 86 aka Sara
East Midlands Open Roller Derby are an OTA (open to all) Roller Derby league based in Nottingham, UK. Established in 2020, it was founded on the principle that ANYONE interested in Roller Derby should have a safe, fun environment to learn about our beloved sport. We have a wonderful and diverse membership, and warmly welcome new members from across the East Midlands (and beyond!)
Who can come and learn?
East Midlands Open Roller Derby are an Open to all roller derby team, this means any person of any gender over the age of 18. We play in MRDA (Mens Roller Derby Association) tournaments which means skaters from all gender backgrounds can compete in a safe, friendly environment.
What will this course teach?
This course will teach you how to stand, skate forward in a straight line, fall over safely using your protective gear, get up on skates, stop safely, turn a corner and pick up speed whilst skating.
I don’t have any skates. What should I do?
We have plenty of skates and pads we can lend you for the duration of the course, we only require for you to bring a safety helmet if possibles as we have a limited supply of helmets. If you do bring your own helmet this can be any type of helmet that's appropriate like a cycle or skateboard helmet.
An example helmet that can be found cheaply - https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/skateboarding-helmet-pink-mf500/_/R-p-160387?mc=8552048&c=smoked%20black_asphalt%20blue
I have never skated before, will I be OK to come along?
Absolutely, our course is designed for newbies and seasoned skaters alike, we have a group of coaches who have years of experience and have taught people from being unable to stand on skates to skating with confidence and playing Roller Derby.
I’m not sure I want to play roller derby but I want to learn to skate?
That’s absolutely fine, we have designed this course to teach people how to skate, obviously we’d love anyone who attends to join us playing Roller Derby but we understand it may not be for everyone.
This course has been created to cater for both potential roller derby players and casual skaters. However we encourage even casual skaters to get involved with the team, there are a number of non-playing roles on and off skates and niche sports like Roller Derby couldn’t exist without the fantastic community of non-playing folk who get involved.
Can I use inline skates instead?
Roller Derby is played on quad skates, our course is designed around teaching people to skate on quad skates. If you can skate on inline skates we would encourage you to try skating on quads as there are many similarities. We have limited experience coaching people with inline skates.
Can I bring my Partner/Child?
We have no issues with partners and children coming along and watch, we even encourage you to ask your partner to learn to skate with us if they’re up for it. However right now we don’t have a junior team so we cannot facilitate any children on skates due to insurance, but we have plans for a junior team in the near future.