How it all started...

I first heard about Roller Derby when Tiger Bay Brawlers started having open bouts in Cardiff.

They had an intake session and a few of us went along to 'try out'...most of them had been to a Roller Derby bout to watch, I hadn't but got the gist of it and thought it sounded cool and a fun way of getting fit and meeting new people.

So on 15th April 2012 we headed to Penarth Leisure Centre to 'try out'. I had never really skated much as a kid and was wondering if I would even be able to stand up!

We were put through a variety of skills tests including stops, falls, skating technique and speed....it was nerve wracking in front of so many people, but also mega fun!

I came away thinking I'd been pretty rubbish, but had really enjoyed it and hoped I would get an invite to join their Fresh Meat...no such luck. So I started going to their Monday Recreational sessions to learn to skate properly...

Once I had been going for a month or so I was hooked and bought my own kit. I went to see my first bout between CROC and Swansea City Slayers...Then I found out that CROC who were running a 6 week beginners course, 2 hours per week and went to that as I was desperate to get more time on my skates...thanks to the head start I had from going to the TBB rec sessions, I managed to progress pretty quickly with CROC and by the end of the 6 weeks I was invited to train at their team sessions!

Then, CROC lost their skating venue and the team pretty much disintegrated...all while I was away on holiday. I came home and  had no team! I was gutted and got involved in the team meetings to sort out what we were going to do...some of CROC held fast and now, under the name Cardiff Roller Girls we're making an impressive come back - we have a training venue, a team and a strong beginners group too...we're looking stronger than ever and are now planning our first bout!

I was lucky that in this time of 'no venue' I was invited to join the TBB fresh meat session, and got to develop my 'derby skills, so that I finally passed my minimum skills in December 2012. I got to scrim with the boys team just before finding out I was pregnant! Since then I have had to reduce the amount of training I do and reduce the contact. Now I am helping to train the newbies,  ready for them to move up to train with the team and love it. I just wish I could be skating more too!

I'm really looking forward to getting back on my skates after the baby is born, and it'll be the perfect way to get back into shape and loose a bit of baby weight!

I've challenge myself to pass the new minimum skills (Jan 2013) by the end of the year, and start playing in 2014! Wish me luck!