BBC launches iPlayer roller derby original

The BBC has made an original doc for its streaming and catch up service iPlayer about the world of competitive roller derbies.

The 20-minute doc follows two female skaters as they train and compete in the roller skating sport. The players are on different roller derby sides, and the film builds to the two teams playing one another at Europe’s only dedicated skate venue, the Thunderdome in Oldham.

The show is part of UK pubcaster the BBC’s Get Inspired initiative, which is designed to promote, and to encourage people to take part in, grass-roots sport.

Sharon Fuller, project lead for the BBC’s Get Inspired, said: “Get Inspired is always looking for fun and different ways for people to get active and that is why we love Roller Derby. It is an inclusive community that welcomes all shapes, all abilities and ages.”

Roller Derby: Skate Fast, Hit Hard director Helen Richmond added: “I feel really passionate about equality, empowerment and people having their voices heard, and I found this within the Roller Derby community. It’s a unique sport for many reasons but especially for being female-driven and dominated.”