Terrace’s Roller Derby Association is launching a new junior training program for young people to try out the sport.
The eight-week training program will build roller skating skills, with training first focused on teaching youth how to stop and how to fall safely, said junior coach Tarea Roberge.
Geared to anyone ages 12-18, the program starts out no contact.
“You have to be at a certain level to be allowed to play contact derby,” said Roberge.
“At a younger level it starts out with a lot of positional blocking, so it’s getting in front of people and stopping them rather than hitting them… No one is allowed to hit until they are deemed safe to do so [by coaches].”
The program will start October 4, with youths meeting every Sunday for eight weeks at the Thornhill Secondary School gym.
Despite the Terrace roller derby Nightmares being a ladies-only team, Roberge says boys are welcome to the junior training program. They might start a youth co-ed team, or there are opportunities for male refs or coaches, she said.
Since the program is geared toward youths who want to try the sport without committing and buying all the gear, junior skaters can sign out and use league equipment for training.
After this eight-week training wraps up, Roberge says they plan to launch a junior team called the Night Terrors.
With a 14-person roster, Roberge foresees it taking a bit of time to build up the interest and skills, but eventually they want to have the Night Terrors play games alongside the Nightmares, who average two home games and up to four away games per year, mostly against Prince George and Quesnel.
The Nightmares are also starting a Fresh Meat program October 4, for adults who want to try the sport.