Clash Of The Skaters: Bristol Roller Derby

Roller derby is a fascinating, fast-paced yet relatively obscure sport – we went down to the recent Bristol Championships event in Bristol to capture images from the frontline.

Photography 3rd August, 2017

Norberto Fernández Soriano

Roller derby is a fascinating, fast-paced yet relatively obscure sport – we went down to the recent Bristol Championships event in Bristol to capture images from the frontline.

Words And Images: Norberto Fernandez Soriano

Roller derby is a full-contact sport played (as the name suggests) on roller skates, between two five-strong teams. To the uninitiated, it seems to mix the sinewy grace of roller-sports with the physicality of rugby – and the complexity of American football. Matches are based on a series of ‘jams’ – short periods, run over an hour-long bout. Players from both teams clash and tactically skate around an oval track to score points in this fascinating high-energy sport.

Glittery smiling women buckels up her helmet on the side lines

Countdown: buckling up

Determination, speed and action

In the game, there are no individuals; both teams work to score during short matchups called jams

Time out: knackered

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Clash Of The Skaters: Bristol Roller Derby

Roller derby is a fascinating, fast-paced yet relatively obscure sport – we went down to the recent Bristol Championships event in Bristol to capture images from the frontline.

Words And Images: Norberto Fernandez Soriano

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Related content

The last time England’s men played football at Ashton Gate – a mere 110 years ago

Listen: Bristol Unpacked with Bristol City’s James Edwards on football, community and politics

Listen: Bristol Unpacked with cricketing legend David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, the first Black president of a county club who’s had bananas thrown at him on the field

Watch: The new documentary celebrating Bristol’s inner-city walks

Can Kingsdown Sports Centre and Jubilee Pool be saved?

Why Bristol Rovers have joined the campaign for football reform

Roller derby is a fascinating, fast-paced yet relatively obscure sport – we went down to the recent Bristol Championships event in Bristol to capture images from the frontline.

Words And Images: Norberto Fernandez Soriano

We’re facing an uncertain future. Your support will help us keep going

Comments

Post a comment Cancel reply

Related content

The last time England’s men played football at Ashton Gate – a mere 110 years ago

Listen: Bristol Unpacked with Bristol City’s James Edwards on football, community and politics

Listen: Bristol Unpacked with cricketing legend David ‘Syd’ Lawrence, the first Black president of a county club who’s had bananas thrown at him on the field

Watch: The new documentary celebrating Bristol’s inner-city walks

Can Kingsdown Sports Centre and Jubilee Pool be saved?

Why Bristol Rovers have joined the campaign for football reform

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