Joining Liverpool Roller Birds: “Meet loads of boss people and be part of one of the best sports ever!”

With our next Open Day just around the corner on Sunday 3 March, we decided to find out more about what it’s like to be a new skater and progress through our training program, from one of our rookie skaters, Louise Hayden-Hughes.

Lou has been a lively and enthusiastic member of the league for more than a year now and recently passed her minimum skills (well done Lou!) so read on to see what she had to say about ‘being a Bird’…

How did you find starting out as a new skater with the league?

It was terrifying and much harder then expected! I was bad – I mean really bad – but everyone in my intake and the coaches were babes, so I came back and it’s so rewarding seeing your hard work paying off.

If I was going to give a bit of advice to any new skaters, it would be to get to training and you’ll surprise yourself with how fast you pick the skills up, to cross train as much as you can even if it’s just a 20 min HIIT workout at home – it all helps. Oh and get LOW… even if you think you’re low, get lower!

Two women smiling

Lou (right) meeting Lady Trample – one of the top roller derby athletes in the world – at the World Cup in 2018

What would you say was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome this?

Laps were my biggest challenge. I’ve cried more than I’d care to admit about them! To overcome this I watched a skater who was a similar build to me and looked at how she did crossovers. I then practiced as much as I could and did more cardio (I’m never going to another spin class again now I’ve got my laps though!)

What was it like to pass your minimum skills and start training with a team?

Passing my minimum skills was the best feeling – it’s so worth the weeks of missing a Sunday roast for!

Moving up to train with the B/C team was terrifying, but the coaches are really supportive, give you one-to-one help and feedback and all the skaters are really encouraging and make you feel really welcome and involved. Even though training is really hard work, we have a good laugh.

New skater Lou

Lou (left) when she passed her minimum skills test, with Christine, one of her boss new mates!

What would you say to someone thinking about joining Liverpool Roller Birds?

Go for it! You’ll meet loads of boss people, make some great mates, get a lot of bruises and be involved in one of the best sports ever!

Open day details

So what are you waiting for? Check out our Facebook event for more details and come along to our open day on Sunday 3 March 2019 from 6pm. No equipment needed, just bring yourself – and any friends who might be interested.

Get social!

Why not follow us and say hello? We’re a friendly bunch and we’d like to hear from you 🙂


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Food bank donations are piling up, special thanks to our hatchies Ruth and Lou for their donations!

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