Photo: Jason Rossi
CNYRD hopes that you have had a chance to see the recent coverage by Utica's Observer Dispatch newspaper on roller derby as a means of physical fitness. We are so proud to be recognized by the community as a healthy lifestyle choice and that the media is choosing to spread the word that roller derby is a great way to stay healthy. You can view the article online
HERE.Unfortunately due to some confusion in our local area, the OD printed a different league's recruitment information attached to this article. The information they printed was for a completely separate league called The Utica Rollergirls, which has no affiliation with CNY Roller Derby.
If interested in joining CNY Roller Derby, prospective members should first see the 'Interested?' page on our website,
HERE. Then, please contact recruitment@cnyrollerderby.com
An open recruitment session beginning with an open house will start mid-February at the (soon-to-be-announced!) new permanent home of CNYRD, an exciting brand new building which will serve as our private year-round training and scrimmage facility in Utica.
After the open house, new skaters will have the option of attending 4 weeks of 'boot camp' which will teach the basic skills in preparation for our 12 week newbie class. The class meets Wednesdays from 7-9pm and Saturdays from 10a-12p. By the end of the newbie class, skaters are ready to graduate into competition ready league members. Our recruitment staff, reachable at the above email address, can give you more details.
CNYRD prides ourselves on offering a multitude of options to its members-
For people interested in roller derby as a more recreational sport, players have the option of skating on one of our home teams,
The Utica Clubbers,
The Blue Collar Betties, or
The Rome Wreckers, who play against each other (and occasionally outside leagues' home teams) on a regular basis. Skaters on home teams typically practice 1-2 times per week and compete at least monthly in season.
For skaters looking to take it to the next level, we offer competitive placement from our home team rosters onto the
CNY All-Stars travel team, which competes for international rankings within the
Women's Flat Track Derby Association, and offers the opportunity for travel and play against the best teams in the northeast US and beyond. Skaters on the All-Stars typically practice 2-3 times per week and compete up to 2 times per month in-season.
Whether you thrive in a one-on-one instruction environment, or you're from a background of large group activities or team sports, you can find a comfortable home on CNYRD.
As you'll see from the OD's article, roller derby can be a great way to stay healthy. We find its also a perfect means to beat the Mohawk Valley's dreaded 'winter blues', and keeps our members excited about being active year round. The community surrounding flat track roller derby is also very supportive of healthy lifestyles. A group of skaters who have produced a
roller derby workout DVD have even organized a totally free
guided workout challenge via their facebook page which guides participants through an 8 week diet and exercise routine purely to promote healthy lifestyles, derby or not.
In short, Roller Derby makes you healthy. It creates a common social activity with a great group of people, and an extended community around the world. It provides great exercise, and healthy competition. CNY Roller Derby wants more area women to discover the benefits of this exciting sport, and with our current membership of close to 100 people, a new training facility, membership in the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, and experienced captains and coaches, we feel we can provide a great roller derby experience. So fulfill that 2011 new years resolution to get in shape and check us out!
