Hear what the skaters in our last intake thought of it
If you’re thinking about maybe doing our intake course, maybe this will help you make your mind up. We asked some of the last intake to answer three questions…
1. What made you want to join the Dollies?
2. How has being part of the Dollies changed your life?
3. How have we supported you?
Cherry
What made you want to join the Dollies?
I was looking for a hobby that incorporated fitness, fun and some social aspect. I saw the Induction advert on Facebook and thought I would give the 6 weeks a go to see if I enjoyed it.
How has being part of the Dollies changed your life?
I feel my fitness levels are improved, although that is still a work in progress. I am enjoying learning the rules surrounding Roller Derby and even had a go at NSO’ing for a Scimble which was so much fun! I now have a wider circle of friends where we enjoy outdoor skating and non-skating events.
How have we supported you?
I have found LDRR to be completely inclusive which was comforting since I am on the bigger side of a ‘normal’ BMI. Learning some skills are taking longer to achieve but I don’t feel pressured or silly for not picking them up – I will make a crossover eventually!
Emily
What made you want to join the Dollies?
I had just returned to work after maternity leave with my second child and felt like I needed something that was mine! Not only did this look like fun, I thought it would be a way to meet new people too. I was so right about both of these things!
How has being part of the Dollies changed your life?
I feel like I have ‘a thing’, I have something that I look forward to doing every weekend and the feeling of accomplishment I get when I learn something new is awesome. It has helped me build confidence in all aspects of my life and is great for my mental health
How have we supported you?
I have met a group of people that I look forward to seeing each week, everybody is really supportive of each other and passionate about roller derby. I love being a Dolly!
Lucky Thunder
What made you want to join the Dollies?
I’d really only heard if roller derby from the film Whip It, which I probably watched as a teenager. When I saw the ad, I was really curious about the whole thing and decided to take the plunge!
How has being part of the Dollies changed your life?
I definitely think joining the team has helped me come out of my shell a little, and I’ve met some fab people as a result!
How have we supported you?
As a plus size woman, it was pretty daunting looking into joining a sports team. I had all sorts of worries about being judged, and being able to physically keep up with everything. I’m happy to say from day one, the coaches and whole team have been nothing but supportive of me giving it a go. I’ve been encouraged constantly, and they even went about getting me specific gear that fitted well so I could skate.
For me, the skating is still a scary prospect and because of that I was going to quit. But the team were really enthusiastic about getting me into the non skating roles which is great because I can still participate knowing that I can always get my skates back on when I’m ready!
Gemma
What made you want to join the Dollies?
I joined LDRR initially because I wanted to do something fun that was good exercise. A friend asked me if I wanted to come along to a six week Roller Derby course. I wasn’t sure what it was and I had not been on skates since I was 16 and I’m 41 now. It was daunting….but I signed up and I am so glad I did. After the six weeks I was hooked and joined up to continue. It’s been an awesome journey.
How has being part of the Dollies changed your life?
It has helped not only with my physical health but also with my confidence and overall well-being. I have really enjoyed learning something new and I love the sense of achievement I have progressing each week. Training with the team is something I really look forward to each week.
How have we supported you?
Its great to be part of a team! The LDRR are super supportive. Everyone cheers each other on and helps each other out. The advanced skaters give up their time to coach ⭐️ and are really helpful in practice sharing what they have learnt.
