Leeds Roller Dolls

This picture shows one of the members of the Leeds Roller Dolls, taking time out from the bout held between them and the Birmingham Blitz Dames at the Leeds University Sports Hall on Saturday.

I know very little about roller derby and the first thing I noticed was that all the girls wore good safety wear including helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist pads and a mouth guard. Having now watched my first bout of this full contact roller skating sport I can see why they need this protection.

I was pleased to be invited to watch and photograph this bout by the Roller Dolls No 5, Frantic. All the girls have a roller derby name and also a team No.

Roller derby is fast moving and before I went to this bout I had not really thought that this was the first time I photographed someone moving around, rather than posing for me. Oops, just as well I have digital rather than film, I took lots of frames!!

Each of the Leeds Roller Dolls has a profile and I think, having consulted the Dolls website that the Doll in the above photo is their No 10, Gorgon Roller. On her profile there is a great roller derby quote "So why exactly do you do it? For fun?" - a slightly baffled work colleague.

The Leeds Roller Dolls are looking for new recruits, who should be aged 18 and over.

I shall post more pictures of the Leeds Roller Dolls v Birmingham Blitz Dames on my Leeds Daily Photo over the next few days.