Manchester Roller Derby and a right old Carry On…
The girls and boys of Manchester Roller Derby are hosting a home game at the end of this month.
After holding two hugely successful bouts in the city centre this year, Manchester’s roller derby club is set to hold another – ‘Carry on Jamming’. As the title perhaps suggests, double entendres and parody will abound.
The double-header sees Manchester’s girls go up against Newcastle Roller Girls in the warm-up bout. The main event, however, will be Manchester’s first ever men’s roller derby bout – where skaters from across the UK and Ireland will be split into two teams, the Campers and the Cruisers.
Roller derby is a fast-paced, hard-hitting sport, which has been described as ‘like rugby on skates’. The full contact sport is played on quad roller skates and has seen an influx of interest since the release of Drew Barrymore’s Whip It, which hit UK cinemas in 2009.
Two teams skate together on an oval track and points are scored by one individual from each team, known as a jammer. The jammers must race to get through the pack against hard defensive play from the opposing team and with the help of their own team.
The main ethos at Manchester Roller Derby is to be as inclusive as possible. Male skaters are often relegated to refereeing in the sport, and this does not sit well with the club’s ideals. This is the first official game of men’s roller derby to take place in Manchester.
Marty McDie, 26 year old skater from Oldham says, “I’m mega excited to see guys from all over the UK get together and settle once and for all which one is better, Saga cruise holidays or The Sun mega deal camping trips!”
“What better way to spend a Saturday than coming to see the outsiders of an outsider sport prove there is a place for men in it? It’s a chance to see one of roller derby’s rarest and most awesome spectacles.”
“Come down, see what it’s all about, and if it takes your fancy you can get involved – totally regardless of your ability, fitness levels, gender or age… everyone’s welcome!”
Carry on Jamming is being held at the Sugden Centre, 114 Grosvenor Street, Manchester on Saturday 30 July 2011. Doors open at 2pm and first whistle will be at 3pm. Children are welcome as this is a family friendly event. There will be cakes, merchandise stalls, DJs, cheerleaders, a raffle and other games.
Tickets cost £7 in advance and can be bought from Manchester Roller Derby’s official website www.manchesterrollerderby.co.uk , or by visiting tinyurl.com/carryonjamming
All photography by www.samryley.com – tell him we sent ya.
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