The San Diego Derby United Juniors program is officially moving back into the world of competitive flat track roller derby. After years of focusing on their banked track program, San Diego Derby United leadership has taken steps to create more opportunities for game play and networking within the San Diego and Southern California region for their junior players by joining the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA). This is a very exciting time for both the coaches and players to jump back into this arena of competitive roller derby!

San Diego Derby United offers a unique opportunity for its youth program, the dual track facility. Unlike almost any other facility in the world, Derby United houses a flat track as well as a banked track. As a result, the DU junior derby skaters are familiar with skating on both surfaces. For 2019 and forward, the Juniors program will compete against teams that play flat, banked or both. Many of the necessary skills in either version of derby are the same, with subtle differences in rules and strategies.  Each rule set and surface has its own set of challenges, primarily the speed on banked track vs. the strategy to almost completely stop the jammer in flat track. Mirroring the adult program by creating a bitractual environment further offers expanded opportunities as these young athletes grow into adult players.

Roller derby offers a special place for young people as they move through some of their formative years – especially for young women. This is a sport and environment that celebrates the strength, confidence and self awareness that evolves from gaining skill within the sport into skills that enable young people to mature into sophisticated and empowered young adults. Each person’s uniqueness and ability is celebrated!

Want more information about the JRDA? – Find it here

Writer: Knockturn Ally
Photo: Trent Takes Pictures