In 2001, a group of women in Austin, Texus had no idea the trend they were about to start when they formed the Texas Roller Derby. Slowly but surely, word spread about the group of girls who were redefining derby, and soon, gusty women around the States followed suit, forming their own leagues. Gone is the spandex and choreography that defined roller derby’s last inception in the 70’s. The new brand of roller derby combines fierce ashlesicism an sex appeal with real action; all the spills and thrills, bruises and bloodshed are genuine. Since that fateful day in 2001, all-girl roller derby has spread like wildfire, with over 160 leagues in existence across the U.S. all league-owned and operated. Every major city has a roller derby league, and small towns are in on the action, too. Anywhere you find enterprising and dedicated women you’ll find a roller derby league. In the past couple of years inter-league play was initiated, with leagues traversing the States to play each other, culminationin a nation-wide tournament. Other invitationals have followed suit, and in 2007, the Womens Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) will be organising regional and national championships. Derby has gone international as well, with leagues forming in Australia, Canada and Europe.

Derby girls have media darlings with articles in the New York Times, in LA Weekly, Spin Magazine, Bust Magazine, and literally hundreds of newspapers and magazines across the USA, as well as making guest appearances on commercials, talk shows, in dramatic television series, and on reality shows.

When skater Dale Rio, from the States came to New Zealand for an extended stay in early 2006, she brought her skates and love for derby with her. With positive feedback from her friends in Auckland, she decided to found New Zealand’s first all-girl roller derby league. Soon a core group of skaters came together and the Pirate City Rollers was formed.

Pirate City Rollers have been competing within the league since 2007, but are working hard to encourage the spread of derby in New Zealand by helping women in other towns and cities to start their own leagues. It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of trial and error to determine what works best for each individual league, but the Pirates are more than willing to share their experiences and lessons learned with those who are interested in forming leagues. Alongside the Pirates are  Northland Nightmares, HELLmilton Roller Ghouls (Hamilton), Mountain City (New Plymouth), Richter City Roller Derby (Wellington), Dead End Derby (Christchurch) with more in the pipeline. Contact piratecityrollers@gmail.com for information on starting a league in your area.