By Grace Jones | posted on November 10, 2017
CONSTRUCTION of Albany’s very own roller derby track is well under way, with the purpose-built facility on Roundhay Road in Gledhow taking shape.
Construction started in the middle of October and is expected to be completed in January next year.
Once complete, The Track will be equipped with change rooms, showers, a staff kitchen area, storage space, office area and an 825sqm playing space suited for high impact sports.
Albany Roller Derby League President Natalie Jarvis said the league was excited to get skating on their own track.
“We’ve got our first game booked on the track in March for our rescheduled match against Perth Roller Derby Rumble Bees,” she said.
“It’s yet to be confirmed, but we’ve got something bigger and brighter to add to the game.”
Prior to construction, the league had opened a crowd-funding page on Pozible asking for the public’s help in purchasing specialised material for the track.
“We raised around $8000, but because we didn’t reach our goal by the cut off date, we didn’t get to receive any of the money,” Jarvis said.
“We’ll be setting up a GoFundMe page soon; hopefully we’ll be able to raise that money again.
“To help bring down the costs though, we’ll be treating and sealing the concrete as it is. It will still be perfect for skaters to practice on though.”
The ARDL has continued to grow their team, with their Fresh Meat skaters moving on to playing proper matches this weekend.
“We had a 100 per cent success rate at their assessments on Monday night,” Jarvis said.
“Our newly passed skaters will be playing in their very first game this Saturday.
“It takes a big commitment from our Fresh Meat to learn the skills, gain the fitness, learn the rules and strategy and then to be able to play roller derby.
“It takes a lot of effort for them to do the training and pass the practical and written assessments, so the match on Saturday will be great.
“We’re very proud of our graduates.”
Doors open at the Denmark Recreation Centre event at 6pm on Saturday and entry is a gold coin donation.
