about us
Lakeshore Roller Derby serves skaters in the lakeshore community; training athletes from the heights of Muskegon to the coasts of South Haven. Since our induction in 2015, our organization and the sport of roller derby have grown exponentially and we are delighted at the opportunity to increase access for members and fans alike in the community we call home.
WHO ARE WE?
The Lakeshore Roller Derby team is a 501 (c) (3) volunteer run non-profit that started in 2015. We follow the rules of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, the national governing body for women’s amateur flat track roller derby. Our league makes revenue from ticket sales, merchandise sales, sponsorship contributions, and donations from supporters, and it all goes right back into the league.
Roller Derby first started back in the 1930s and saw a resurgence around 2000 in Austin, Texas. Now, roller derby teams have cropped up all over the United States with over 20 teams currently playing in Michigan. Our non-profit league is run by skaters, who donate their free time and talents to manage the business side of the league — everything from organizing fundraising events to designing promotional materials. LRD also maintains a strong sense of pride in our community by partnering with local charities and participating in local events.
The people who make up our league come from all walks of life. They came to this sport as novice and experienced skaters, as seasoned athletes and as former couch potatoes but they all have one thing in common: they are strong, fierce competitive athletes who are passionate about the sport of roller derby.
WHAT IS ROLLER DERBY?
Roller derby is played by approximately 1,250 amateur leagues worldwide, most inside the United States. Roller Derby is a game that pits two teams of 15 players against each other, skating counter-clockwise around an oval track. Each team has 5 players on track at a time, 4 blockers and 1 jammer.
Game play consists of a series of short matchups called jams. The jammers, who are identified by the stars on their helmets, try to score points by overlapping opposing players. The teams attempt to hinder the opposing jammer while assisting their own jammer—in effect, playing both offense and defense simultaneously.
Roller derby is for the players, by the players. This fast-paced, hard hitting sport teaches teamwork, strategy, confidence and body positivity. Sports are most exciting when you have the right mix of action and passion for the game and Lakeshore Roller Derby offers just that!
WHY ARE WE HERE?
Our purpose is to foster self-worth, personal strength and personal empowerment of all league members. We work to train roller derby athletes to compete against local teams, to lead the growth of the sport locally and internationally, and to increase access for members and fans alike.
Our goal is to serve people who want to play the team sport of roller derby, connect with an inclusive community, and realize their power both on skates and off.