New roller derby club attracts good turnout

MORE than 40 women turned up to the first training session of Swansea's new roller derby club.

The turnout included experienced players and ladies who had never skated before.

Now Reaper Roller Girls are looking to stage their first match.

Roller derby is a full-contact sport played on roller skates which has enjoyed a surge of popularity over the last few years.

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There are now many teams across the UK.

One of the club's founding members, Nadia Watters, said: "I am totally blown away by the turnout, all our hard work has paid off and our mentoring scheme with new skaters went down really well."

New skaters — or New Souls as they are known — are guided through a training programme with support from experienced skaters to help them become a member of the team.

They wear quad skates, a skating helmet, knee and elbow pads and wrist guards that can all be borrowed to begin with.

New member Sarah Richards, who was new to skating, said: "I really enjoyed it, the atmosphere was great and so many people were willing to help.

"Thanks to everyone who was patient with me rolling forwards and backwards."

Another of the New Souls was champion figure skater Sarah Anne Butalia, who swapped her ice skates for roller skates for the evening.

"I love it," she said. "It's now time to work on my skating — bruises here I come."

The doors are still open to new members, who can contact the club through its website or Facebook page.

Training takes place every Friday from 7-9pm at Morriston Community Leisure Centre.