Towcester, Northamptonshire Jan 10, 2020 (Issuewire.com) - Hosted by Rebellion Roller Derby, the Turing Cup will showcase 10 highly-competitive games from some of the top European teams in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA).
This family-friendly, two-day event will also host an exhibition game showcasing the UK’s best junior roller derby players (under 18’s) and plenty of off-track fun with stalls and refreshments from independent vendors.
Harriet Drury, Rebellion member and tournament organiser, explains: “This tournament is a fantastic opportunity for all involved and will provide local players with the chance to compete in a high-level tournament with international teams and raise awareness of this growing sport. It’s a great event to showcase both the sport and the charities we are supporting within the local community and a great weekend of entertainment for both new spectators and long term derby lovers. Roller Derby is a great sport that offers everyone an opportunity to get involved and supports a positive and inclusive environment.”
Rebellion Roller Derby with it’s close ties to Milton Keynes decided to name the cup after one of Britain's most pioneering mathematicians, code-breaker and LGBTQ+ icon, Alan Turing. Continuing the sports proud affiliation and support of the LGBTQ+ community.
The teams competing at the tournament include Rebellion Roller Derby, Amsterdam Roller Derby, Roller Derby Madrid, Namur Roller Derby.
But what is roller derby?
Roller Derby is an athletic, fast-paced, high adrenaline sport played on quad roller skates on an oval-shaped track. Each game comprises of two 30-minute periods, in which each round lasts up to 2-minutes and is known as a “jam”. During a jam, five skaters from each team, 10 in total, take to the track: one is a “jammer”, identified by the star on their helmet, and is responsible for scoring points. The other 4 skaters are known as “blockers”, they try to stop the opposing jammer from passing them while also playing offence for their own jammer.
At the start of each jam, jammers compete to be the first to pass all the blockers on track (known as the “pack”) and achieve “lead jammer”. Once jammers have completed the first qualifying pass of the pack, they then score one point every time they lap an opposition blocker. The lead jammer can end a jam early by repeatedly tapping their hips.
Games are facilitated by a team of on skates referees and off skates officials (NSOs), who ensure that gameplay remains safe, fair and legal.
Founded in 2009, Rebellion Roller Derby has grown to be one of the top-ranked UK female-aligned teams. Rebellion’s A-Team is currently ranked 91 globally in the WFTDA rankings, and 26th in the European Rankings. The league also comprises of a B team, Rebel Uprising, and an officials training crew, hosting regular beginner sessions for new members to join.
A Team Captain, Aimee “Ginger Snaps” explains: “Here at Rebellion we have teachers, public service workers, mums, students, women and non-binary people from all different backgrounds. Many of us didn’t skate or take part in sports before finding roller derby, but that doesn’t matter, as we teach new members everything from how to skate, to how to fall safely during gameplay.”
The Turing Cup will be held at Benham Sports Arena on 22 and 23 February 2020. Advance tickets are £30 for a two-day pass and £15 for a single-day pass, with under 14s going free. Purchase your tickets at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4473093 or search “Rebellion Roller Derby” on Facebook for more information.
Media Contact
Rebellion Roller Derby marketing@rebellionrollerderby.co.uk
