With heavy hearts, the MRDA Board of Directors has made the decision to cancel our planned MRDA postseason. In making this decision, the MRDA Board has consulted with our member leagues and taken into account the most recent advice on COVID-19 we have from governments and the WHO. Due to the complexity involved in returning not just to full-contact sport, but normal life, the MRDA Board doesn’t believe teams can adequately prepare for post-season tournaments and we don’t feel Champs will truly be representative of the best the MRDA has to offer. 

All is not lost though, and we aren’t ready to completely write-off 2020 and have come up with an alternate plan to finish out the year and hopefully set up 2021 with some great sanctioned play.

The current format we are planning and moving forward with will include two tournaments on consecutive weekends, Dec 5 & 6 in Newcastle, UK and Dec 12 & 13 in Austin, TX, USA. Each event will be a 10 team, 2 day tournament featuring the top 10 teams from each region, North America and Europe. The bracket will follow our former 10 team Champs bracket.

As with everything, this is subject to change based on developing advice regarding Covid-19, but we will be moving forward with these plans until that time.

We will be releasing the officiating and announcing applications for both events within the coming weeks. 

For the 2021 season, we are excited to announce the Tyne and Fear will still be able to host MRDA Champs and we are (still) excited to share our 10th Championship with them.

New Wheeled Order UK

Manchester-based team New Wheeled Order continues to be a powerhouse on the UK roller derby scene, with only Lincoln’s Rolling Thunder coming anywhere close to upsetting their winning streak in 2019.

The team are fortunate enough to train at Sporting Edge Manchester, where the venue is fully supportive of the sport, an all too often rear occurrence on the British scene, where venues are multi-purpose and protective of their floors.

Hailing from England’s third-largest city, the league have no problem attracting new skaters; their roster has increased from eighteen to 26 players in the last year alone. This is down to a combination of homegrown talent and mid-season transfers in the form skaters Gigg, Paddy, Rosie Peacock and Optimus Grime.

NWO’s first game will be Friday afternoon against Vancouver Murder

MEET THE TEAM…

Name: Fish
Position: Jammer #5  

Do you find it easy to retain players?

Change is inevitable in life and I think one thing NWO does well each year is adapt to the changes to our roster. Losing key players like Omar and Quaddie would be an issue for any MRDA team but players are always ready to step up and keep us moving in the right direction. 

Our B team Chaos Engine have shone recently – shout out to everyone at Chaos Engine!  

How far do your skaters have to travel for training? 

We’re a Manchester-based team but often have a joke about how many skaters don’t live in Manchester, it’s probably not even that far compared to some American’s travel but skaters have to drove between 1-4 hours to get to training.

Can you describe a typical home game?

There’s always an air of fun around the team on a game day in general, I think in the past we’ve been guilty of taking things too seriously, Roller Derby is a hobby that we all do for fun. Enjoy the day and you’ll play better that way. 

Has any player stood out this season? 

One skater that has gone from strength to strength this year I believe is Cloud Strike, he came through as a homegrown skater, always works super hard and willing to muck in where needed. This year he’s playing incredibly and certainly one of NWO’s best defensive assets. 

You’ve upped your promotional game as well recently?

Grime had been a hero for the promotion/social media side of our team, constantly filming things, sending clips to skaters to share and making fancy videos to promote the team. 

Could you summarize the season so far?

Fun! We’re making sure we’re having fun and doing everything team first. 

Anyone, in particular, you look forward to playing?

Vancouver 😉

Kamiquadz, France

In 2011, a bunch of mates close to Montpellier, France got together to form Kamiqudz Roller Derby; they’ve been steadily building ever since, but the last four years have seen a real increase in membership, ultimately leading to their first-ever champs qualification.

Boasting three universities, Montpellier is traditionally a student city, which in itself can pose problems where retention is concerned. Having said this, it doesn’t seem to have impacted the team’s overall performance – they are currently ranked an impressive #11 in the table!

Many members travel more than an hour to their Sunday night training session, which can either be held on the wooden floor of the county gymnasium or outside on the basketball court when weather permits.

The bulk of the 2019 season saw a range of results for the squad; a couple of crushing defeats at the hands of fellow French team Toulouse has been offset by victories against Manneken, Orcet and Calais. They also finished third place in the French Cup. 

But it was at the MRDA European Qualifiers where the Kamiquadz really stepped up their game, securing win after win against some of the regions top teams. Still, they remain humble in their victory, now focusing their energy on the upcoming tournament.

First up, they’re set to play California’s Golden State Heat, but Buck la Baston tells MRDA that they’re excited to play any North American team and their players who they’ve been looking up to for several years; he describes the feeling as being ‘Like kids willing to enjoy a trip and unexpected tournament!’

Missing from the squad will be captain, Jason Kruger, who is back in France awaiting a very important delivery – from everyone at MRDA, we wish you all the best!

MEET THE TEAM…

Name: Colonel Poulard (Poupoul)
Position: Blocker, Pivot, Jammer #4

How did you get involved in roller derby?

At first, a little by accident when a group of women started a team in our roller skating club. Then by passion, both for a terribly brilliant sporting discipline, and its strong values that carry us and make us grow.

Have you played any other sports? 

I’ve been practising a lot of sports since I was a kid, especially outdoors. To name only the sports that I have played in competition: fencing, sailing, rugby, mountain biking, and savate (French boxing). Roller derby is very important to me because it is a collective and self-managed sport: you are the actor of your practice, of your success (or failure).

What do you think your coach would say about you? 

He sometimes has a grouchy character but you can rely on him and his frankness of speech.

How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?

It makes me always encourage people to surpass themselves, to put failures into perspective, to become aware of their qualities and to believe in their dreams.

What is your ultimate Roller Derby goal?

Participating in these championships was a dream just a few months ago. The hazards of the calendar of life did not allow me to join the French team group and have an opportunity of wearing the blue tunic. It’ll probably be a regret.

What is your pre-game ritual?

Sophrology. Breathing helps me a lot to relax and visualize the coming game.

Who is your sporting hero and why? 

Jeannie Longo. One of the most gigantic achievements of French and world sport, built in the shadow of men’s sport and the media. What an abnegation throughout these years!

What is your go-to Karaoke song? 

“Les rois du monde” from the french musical Romeo and Juliet.

St Louis GateKeepers, US

St Louis GateKeepers train in the Shadow of a casino just over the drainage River Des Peres in a run down rink that’s been condemned more than once. David Metcalfe, #386, tells MRDA that from time to time the locker rooms have been converted into illegal apartments, rented to people who will just as soon rifle through your gear bags as smile at you. There the track, held together with exposed screws and Bondo, is never the same two days in a row, ‘but we soldier on and practice there three nights a week’.

The team have built a rich sense of community in their league, as well as with sibling league Arch Rival. This, they say, enables them to invest in each other on and off the track. ‘We spend so much time together, we develop a sense of duty towards each other’ Metcalfe remarks, ‘that keeps us coming back, even when we think of leaving.’

The GateKeepers get actively involved in the wider derby scene, sending skaters to coach and train with several local WFTDA teams, and opening their doors to anyone who wants to skate with them, free of charge. ‘While our games don’t really generate much revenue’ Metcalfe says, ‘we try to give any excess to local or small charities, or to various individual causes that someone might be struggling through.’

They also try to invest in the wider local area, setting up booths at all the major Festivals, especially within the LGTBQ+ community, ‘a significant portion of our league is a part of and/or active within that community,’ remarks Metcalfe, ‘and St Louis has such a strong and gracious LGBTQ+ community at large.’

The league are also eager to praise the efforts of their B team this season, explaining how they have been a shining example of the hard work and dedication; ‘We faced several retirements and season-ending injuries this year, and were able to promote seven B Keepers up to our sanctioned travel team with a nearly seamless transition.’ says Metcalfe, ‘Every single skater earned those spots through gallons of sweat and unwavering dedication to making our league stronger. We’re really proud of that.’

The squad have had a remarkable year and now face their ninth Champs appearance. But how is this year different from previous seasons? ‘Two things stand out as different for us, personally. We have the greatest number of rookies on our team that we’ve ever had at one time, and their fresh perspectives bring a very different dynamic to the bench.’ Metcalfe notes, before adding ‘Also, playing at elevation is a new one for us. We’re looking forward to tackling that athletic obstacle.’

Their first game will be against Austin or Denver on Friday afternoon.

MEET THE TEAM…

Name: Jammy Pacquiao
Position: Jammer #1691

What is it about roller derby that appealed to you?

After rediscovering a love for roller skating as an adult I became interested in roller derby because it was a quad based roller sport. I did not really become involved in the roller derby scene until I moved back home to St. Louis and was looking for ways to engage to develop a deeper connection to the city I lived in. But it wasn’t until I started playing that I found what I really love about the sport is the camaraderie and community. 

Have you played any other sports?

My skating background comes from hockey and I have experience with rugby and track and field. To me, roller derby is unique because in a sense what is analogous to the “ball” in other sports is essentially a person. Sometimes it may seem like it’s the jammer vs the world, but every skater on the track can make an impact at any time. I’m not sure if there is any other sport where that statement is as true, which is why I believe Roller Derby is the ultimate team sport. I also enjoy how Roller Derby encourages personal expression and identity with personalized skates/equipment and the opportunity to create your own persona.

How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?

I believe athletic competition is an important measure of human achievement. When we compete, we are not only battling our opponents, we are challenging ourselves to be better than we were the last time we played. That drive to be better than I was, inspires me to make decisions in my life that help me to build confidence and achieve my goals.

What is your ultimate Roller Derby goal?

I would love to be able to continue the legacy of the founding Gatekeepers and become a global ambassador for the sport and inspire the next generation of skaters to enjoy this wonderful game and its amazing community.

…Also, it would be really cool to bring back a 2019 Championship for our two injured skaters, Bled Zeppelin and Spin Diesel.

What mental tool do you use under pressure?

One of my coaches noticed that I was almost hyperventilating whenever I made it through the pack and acutely diagnosed that it was because I seemed to be forgetting to breathe while jamming. Incorporating breathing techniques that I learned through meditation has helped calm my nerves both on and off the track. Focusing my attention on my breathing is particularly helpful to reset/recalibrate on the bench after a jam that went sideways.

What’s your favorite sports movie? 

Watching the Gamechangers documentary about athletes and plant-based diets has challenged me to re-evaluate what I thought about nutrition and performance and has inspired me to be more aware of how little decisions can affect my life and the world around me.

And your go-to Karaoke song? 

Semi-Charmed Life by Third Eye Blind.

What were you like in high school? 

A nerdy but somehow athletic kid who loved video games, candy, and anime.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Southern Discomfort Roller Derby, UK 

Formed in 2010, UK team Southern Discomfort are regular contenders at Champs and have, for a long time, been one of Britains most successful teams.  

Despite being based in England’s biggest city, it can be quite tough to recruit, the team put it down to the number of sports they have to compete with in the capital. The Brits might not love their skating quite as much as their US counterparts, but they do still enjoy a steady membership which allows them to put out two teams and attract skaters from as far afield as Birmingham, Wales and even Glasgow, Scotland!  

Coming off the back of a European Cup year, 2019 may have seemed like a relatively low key for the team; having said this, they have remained undefeated since their 2018 upset against Vancouver at last years tournament- where they missed out by a meagre 22 points! 

This year, they’ll be looking to put on a show that reflects their 4th place ranking. ‘The season so far has been outstanding’ Blitzkrieg tells us; we’ve got a feeling they’re just warming up!  

MEET THE TEAM…

Name: Illbilly #76
Position: Blocker

What is it about roller derby that appealed to you or why did you get involved?

I’ve always skated ever since I was young. I have also always played team sports so the two just came together very nicely. Roller Derby gives me a focus and something to drive towards whether it be playing with my team or coaching my teammates – I get loads out of it. 

What sports did you play and how is derby different? 

I have played lots of sports but football (soccer) would be the one that has been most prevalent to the game as it is similar or at least gave me lots of practice in areas such as strategy, set plays and competition.

Skateboarding is the other and a sport that I did religiously for decades, this is more about free expression and balance which has had a profound impact on my skate style in derby. 

What do you think your coach would say about you? 

They might say I’m wild card maybe… I can only think of negatives haha! I’m usually pretty reliable on track. However, always distracted by cats or a puppy or something. Enjoys feedback 😂

How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?

Being an athlete is just something everyone should do in some capacity. The focus and the teamwork is great for everyone. It also gets me coaching which I think has hopefully done good things for the skaters I coach. It’s great to see them do well.

What is your ultimate Roller Derby goal?

To win an MRDA Champs Medal with my pals at Southern Discomfort & win a WFTDA tournament medal with my pals at Central City Roller Derby.

What mental tools do you use when you’re under pressure?

Focusing on breathing always helps me reset to a place where I’m ready to be relentless on track. 

What’s your mantra?

Chill and enjoy it. Best mantra there is!

Who is your sporting hero? 

I used to want to skateboard like Tom Penny. His chill style is the best that ever was. 

What is your go-to Karaoke song? 

Bohemian Rhapsody

What were you like in high school? 

A surfer dude.

The Vancouver Murder, Canada

MRDA 3rd place ranked The Vancouver Murder was formed in 2010; many of the original members no longer skate for them now, but the team assure us that their support and encouragement lives on in each of them; this year, more than ever, it is showing – they remain undefeated for the entire season. 

Training can be quite the undertaking for the Canadian team who get together monthly ‘We have a lot of skaters who have to drive eight to ten hours just to get to a practice,’ skater Mr Testosterone tells us ‘some have to cross borders to be here!’ The squad train in a few different venues, including one which is fondly referred to as “The Death Trap” due to its smaller track and surrounding pillars; ‘If you survive a practice you cheated death.’ jokes Testosterone. 

Despite the distance, the league continue to experience a good amount of growth, whether that be in the form of complete beginners or experienced skaters who are looking for a new place to train. These ebbs and flows bring with them a wealth of skills that serve to benefit the organization as a whole and include artists, planners and social media heroes.

The energy of the league is palpable- they themselves describe the season as amazing and full of growth. This year has seen them more organized than ever and they’re even sporting a new kit! They’re also not afraid to switch things up a bit and take risks, for example, the decision to switch Jammer Harass’in Ford to a blocking position; ‘he has now become such a solid blocker and offensive player,’ Testosterone remarks, ‘we aren’t sure what we would do without him!’

Vancouver are looking forward to playing new teams and old rivals alike but they are particularly keen to face NWO, who they describe as solid and so much fun to play. They’re no stranger to the event, having played in Texas, Manchester and Oregon previously, but they’re as much excited as ever; ‘It’s like Christmas for us. To play in such a huge event is the reason we do this! This year everything is different. From what we think we can do, to how we play and look!’ 

MEET THE TEAM…

Name: Mr. Testosterone
Position: Jammer #110

What is it about roller derby that appealed to you?

I saw it as a way to continue to roller skate! I had no clue what derby was gonna be but I was excited to have a reason as an adult to start skating again. 

What do you think your coach would say about you? 

I’d hope they’d talk about how positive and encouraging I am, but they’d probably talk about how much I like to film EVERYTHING! 

How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?

It makes me want to help other people find the joy of purpose and growth. Getting better is a great feeling. Accomplishing goals is a great feeling. Trying is a great feeling. Allowing yourself to fail is a great feeling and no matter what, not giving up is a great feeling . I keep chasing all of these great ways to feel good! 

What is your ultimate Roller Derby goal?

To medal at MRDA Champs. And I’m happy to keep trying until one day it happens! 

Do you have a plan to help you get to your best-focused state? 

I meditate on the game I’m going to play; then down the game as if it’s already happened the way I want it to happen. 

Do you use visual cues in your environment to help you focus?

Yes! An old coach taught us about markers. A physical thing to remind us of a mental thing. I jump or spin for seemingly no reason, as my physical marker to remind me of my mental marker. What are my mental goals? That’s a secret. 

So what do you do when you’re under pressure?

Smile. It is the easiest way to remind myself that I love doing what I’m doing regardless of the outcome. 

And your mantra?

You can’t outperform your own self-image. 

Who is your sporting hero and why? 

Spider-Man. No matter what is happening he always has time to laugh and joke 

What were you like in high school? 

I couldn’t not talk and crack jokes so usually, I was in the office meeting with the principal, but I was awarded senior class clown by my school! Everything seems to work out! Lol, it’s in the yearbook! 

Austin Anarchy, USA

Austin Anarchy from Texas well and truly qualified for MRDA Champs after taking top spot at the 2019 North American Qualifiers (NAQ), defeating Denver (153-144!) who also qualified, as well as the Philadelphia Hooligans (188-99) and Mohawk Valley (139-101).

They come into the tournament seeded 8th with a rematch against 9th seeded Denver Ground Control in the first game of the tournament. A win will put them on a collision course with heavy favourites St Louis Gatekeepers later that day!

Austin have had a fantastic season this year, winning eight from nine games; with a solitary loss to St Louis Gatekeepers. 2019 was initially billed as a rebuilding year however Anarchy have actually had their most successful season yet and are super excited to be at Champs.  “I can speak for my whole team when I say we are so happy to be here.” Joliet Jane tells MRDA, “We qualified for Champs (via NAQ) using 14 skaters. We have defied expectations and shattered brackets”

In previous years, their appearance at champs was due to other teams either withdrawing or declining the invite. However this year is different: “We have never gotten in on our own merit, so this is Anarchy’s first REAL champs experience.” She tells us. 

The league generally has a good retention rate, a remarkable feat given there is no shortage of leagues around this city traditionally known as the birthplace of modern Roller Derby. They have a great standing in the local community and are very involved with the coaching of other leagues, as well as the hosting of junior boot camps and other charity bouts.

One team Austin hopes to play at MRDA Champs is California’s Golden State, who are seeded one spot above them in 7th.  Depending on how the tournament plays out there is a real possibility they’ll get their wish. However, the competition will be fierce at Champs (as it is every year) so make sure you catch all of their games as this part of the bracket will be fiercely contested.

MEET THE TEAM…

Name: Teddy #65
Position: Blocker/ Pivot

What is it about roller derby that appealed to you?

For me, in the beginning, it reminded me of sports I’ve played before- just with a new twist on it, but now it’s the community that comes with it. 

What do you think your coach would say about you?

If I had to guess I think it would be along the lines of “welp there he goes twerking again SMH”.

How does being an athlete inspire you to do good?

By being a role model for the youth or for those who felt that they were the weird ones in the world and didn’t fit in; I’ll tell you now RD has a place for everyone!

What is your ultimate Roller Derby goal?

Skate for Team USA, and own my own skate shop. 

What mental tool do you use under pressure?

Mental 10 count with deep breaths.

What is your mantra?

 “laissez les bon temps rouler”.

Describe your perfect boot camp?

Hmmmm, well I’d say jammer camp lead by Scald Eagle followed by a footwork course with Rollamite.

Who would captain your roller derby dream team?

Bloody Mary because of her extensive derby knowledge and her work ethic.

What is your 90s jam?

Waterfalls-TLC

What were you like in high school?

A mess