Halifax’s roller derby league, Anchor City Rollers, was founded in 2010 and has been rockin’, rollin’ and expanding ever since. As the league enters this milestone year they are inviting interested potential skaters of all genders and ages to join the league and learn how to rollerskate in 2020!
In 2018, the league expanded to include Junior Roller Derby and welcome a whole new generation of skaters to the sport. Now called Electric WhEels Junior Roller Derby (but still affiliated with Anchor City Rollers) Electric WhEels welcomes skaters 8 to 17 years old. In 2019, Anchor City Rollers became an internationally recognized WFTDA (Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association) League which provided an incredible opportunity for growth, learning, travel, recognition and high level competition. 2020 will be the Anchor City Rollers second official WFTDA sanctioned season, and the first year that the travel teams will be rostered based on a competitive tryout process.
However, Anchor City Rollers is committed to providing training and development opportunities for all levels of skaters. The league is currently comprised of over 150 members.
New adult skaters start with a 12-week Learn To Skate program, which focuses on all the basic skills needed to skate and play the sport safely. From there, skaters graduate to learning strategy and advanced skills while skating alongside the league’s experienced players. Those interested in playing competitively are then eligible to be drafted to one of the league’s teams.
Non-skating positions are also available in the league for those who prefer to get involved off-skates. Game officials, organizers, and volunteers also play an important role in keeping the league running.
Registration for the next Learn To Skate program is now open. The program will run January 19, 2020 until April 5, 2020 and practices will take place every Sunday afternoon from 2:30-4:30PM.
“You’re never too old to skate! Muscle has memory,” Says Cara Leah Hmidan, 52. Hmidan joined the Learn to Skate program in January 2019 with her daughter. “Initially, I was a little intimidated because of my age but I get treated just like everyone else. I enjoy the supportive environment! And I get to roll with my daughter!”
Anyone interested in learning more about this program and the league in general is invited to attend a Meet and Greet at Coffin Skate Shop on January 4, 2020 at 5PM, and/or an Open House on Sunday, January 12, 2020 from 3:30 to 5:30PM, hosted at the Spryfield Lions Rink. For more information or to register for the Learn to Skate program contact the Director of Training, Loren Baldwin at acrc.learntoskate@gmail.com
Meet & Greet with ACR: Saturday January 4, 2020, 5 PM
Coffin Skate Shop, 3009 Oxford St. Suite 102
Anchor City Rollers Open House
Sunday, January 12, 2020, 3:30 to 5:30 pm
Spryfield Lions Rink, 111 Drysdale Rd, Spryfield, NS
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