Garden State Roller Derby Seeks ‘Fresh Meat’ In NJ: How To Join

NEWARK, NJ — New Jersey's oldest roller derby team is looking for new skaters.

Garden State Roller Derby will hold a boot camp for prospective "fresh meat" players on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 8:30 p.m. at North Star Academy in Newark. Players must be 18 or older and identify as either female or nonbinary, according to a statement from the team.

To sign up for the boot camp, email gsrrecruit@gmail.com. There is a $10 fee to attend and loaner gear will be made available upon request.

“Our boot camp event gives you the chance to discover the world of roller derby and learn the basics in a safe environment," coordinator “Laur-Shock” said. "We welcome skaters from all experience levels. We will teach you everything you need to know to excel at our favorite sport.”

League President Daemon Mistress said there was a “wonderful turnout” at the first post-pandemic boot camp event in February, with about 25 skaters showing up to learn more about the nuts and bolts of roller derby.

"We hope to welcome even more players into our program this fall,” Mistress said.

Here’s a bit of background about the Garden State Roller Derby, according to its website:

“Garden State Roller Derby (GSR) is New Jersey’s premier flat track roller derby league, consisting of approximately 40 skaters. The league has two traveling teams, the all-star Ironbound Maidens and the B-team, the Brick City Bruisers. In addition, there are three home teams, the Northern Nightmares, the Jersey City Bridge and Pummel, and the newest home team the Gateway Grim Reapers, who bout against each other throughout the season. GSR is in Division 2 of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA).”

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