Lola Drake

Longley Park Sixth Form student chosen to represent chosen to represent her country on team GB at the Junior Roller Derby World Cup in Canada.

"I have been skating for nearly 4 years now and have found that roller derby is the place I feel most comfortable; the community we have been dedicated to creating accepts everyone and embraces their quirks, making you feel safe and part of a team. Outside of roller derby I go to Longley Park Sixth Form College and the A levels I study are Fine Art, 3D Design and English Language as I hope to go to university and eventually become an art therapist for children in care." Lola Drake.

Roller Derby is a fast-paced full contact sport played on quad roller skates by two teams of five, skating counter-clockwise around a track.  Game play consists of a series of short scrimmages in which both teams designate a jammer (point scorer) who has to lap the opposing team. It is played by women's, men's and more recently, mixed-gender junior teams.  It is also the fastest growing female participation sport in Europe.

While there have been several World Cups for the adults, the first Junior Roller Derby World Cup for under 18s was held in Philadelphia, USA, during July 2018.  Since then, junior roller derby in Great Britain has become increasingly popular, with new teams forming and competing in junior games across the country.  

SSJR is the junior team of Sheffield Steel Roller Derby.  Our skaters are aged 8-17, and come from all walks of life, with all genders welcomed; it is this diversity that helps make us great.  We strive to be as inclusive as possible in everything we do. Since 2016, we have grown from a small group of skaters to a competitive team with skaters who regularly compete nationally.  We have an increasing membership, with over 25 juniors frequently attending training on Sunday mornings, and are committed to continue to build a league based on respect and acceptance. Our next taster session is on 1st March at Skate Central, Sheffield. 

2020 is an exciting year for SSJR, not only because of the World Cup; it is also the fourth anniversary of our club. We have a home game on Saturday 8th February, which will be held at Skate Central, to celebrate (this is open to the public - tickets available in advance or on the door). https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/84867616325  There is a taster session on the 1st March for anyone aged 8-17 who would like to try out roller derby. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/84859048699 Our team will also be hosting and competing in the first ever UK National Junior Championships which we are hosting  Mansfield on the 20th June with spectator tickets available soon.