Zero to Hero (Z2H) is our training programme for new skaters. It’s a rolling course that aims to teach you all the skills you need to play roller derby, whilst being super fun at the same time.
Take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions!
Sporting Edge, Silverlace Avenue, Openshaw, Manchester, M11 1GN.
Every Sunday, 5.00 – 7.00pm.
Can I just turn up any Sunday?
No, but we offer regular intake sessions for new skaters to make sure you get a good induction to the sport and the league in your first session! Please check our Facebook group to find out when our next intake session is: www.facebook.com/MRDZerotoHero
There are plenty of free parking spaces at the venue if you are driving.
If you’re travelling by bus, the following routes stop close by to the venue: 7, 168, 169, 171, 172, 219, 220, 221.
The Metrolink tram is also a short walk; the Edge Lane stop on the Ashton-under-Lyne – Eccles line is 5-10 minutes away.
What if I haven't skated before?
That isn’t a problem! The Zero to Hero course is designed for people of different abilities, so you can learn at your own pace. We work on the basis that everyone is a complete beginner, and if you have prior experience then this is a bonus.
I don't have my own skates or protective equipment. Can I still join?
Yes; we have skates and equipment available to borrow for as long as you need. Feel free to bring along your own stuff if you’ve got it though!
What equipment do you have available to borrow? What sizes are they?
We have skates ranging from size 3 to size 11; sizing is the same as shoe sizes. We also have knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and helmets; pads come in small, medium, and large. Helmets come in two sizes; Small/Medium and Large/X-Large.
What type of skates do you use?
We use quad roller skates.
Can I wear rollerblades instead?
No, unless you are a referee.
How old do I need to be to join?
Manchester Roller Derby is currently only accepting skaters who are 18 and over.
Sports clothing is best; you’re likely to get a bit sweaty so just make sure you wear something comfortable. Jeans and a cardigan are a bad choice.
A water bottle – you’ll definitely get thirsty! You might also want to bring a bandana if you have one. Sometimes the helmets can be a little bit loose around your head and the bandana helps them fit a bit better.
You can try your first session free! After that, subs will go up to £30 per month which includes all of your training sessions and equipment hire.
Yes, but only once you’ve completed 6 sessions and signed our membership forms. It’s £30 per calendar month, and that will cover you for every Zero to Hero session that month, as well as any additional session that are added from time to time. Once you progress to a team, the amount remains the same.
Can I join as a member straight away?
No, you need to have completed 6 sessions first. This is partly to give you a chance of trying the sport with no commitment required, and partly to save on admin work on our end.
We’re not in it to make a profit, the money gets put directly back in Manchester Roller Derby and Zero to Hero. The vast majority of the money goes into paying for the hire of the venue, but we also use it for other things like replacing kit and general costs of running the club.
Am I too old/small/big/tall/unfit/different to join.
NO! We strongly believe that anyone should have the opportunity to play roller derby, no matter what your circumstances are. We have a zero tolerance policy on discrimination of any kind, and you don’t need to worry we’ll turn you away for being “different.”
I'm not sure if roller derby/skating is for me, is there a taster session I can go to?
We don’t currently have the capacity to run regular taster sessions, but we do still run these from time to time. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates.
What does the Zero to Hero course involve?
The course teaches you all the basics and fundamentals of skating, from how to stand up on skates, how to stride and propel yourself, and how to stop. We also teach you some roller derby specific skills and techniques, like how to safely give and take impacts from other skaters. Specifically, the course teaches you everything you need to pass the WFTDA Minimum Skills.
What are WFTDA Minimum Skills?
The minimum skills are a list of skating and roller derby specific skills, defined by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. Every skater has to be able show they can complete each of these skills to a minimum required standard and that they are not a danger to themselves or others. More information can be found here: https://wftda.com/the-game/training/
How long does it take to learn all these skills?
On average it takes somewhere between 6-12 months. However, different people progress at different rates, so we wouldn’t worry too much about how long it will take, we encourage everyone to learn at their own pace.
What if I can’t make every session?
We understand that sometimes people have other commitments on a Sunday and can’t make every single session. We ask everyone to commit to a minimum of 50% of sessions; if you don’t think you can make that many then you might want to consider waiting until you are able to attend more regularly.
I don’t identify as male or female, how do I fit into a binary gender divided team system?
Our goal is to be fully inclusive for everyone no matter what their gender identity. Once you start training and start to get a feel of the sport, it’ll be easier to for you to decide which team you feel more comfortable identifying and playing with. We’re always here to help and support you with your decisions, and whatever decision you make there will be a supportive team waiting for you.
I have a medical condition, can I still join?
Probably! We usually look at these things on a case by case basis. If you have something as serious as a heart condition, you will need to check with your doctor. Relatively minor things like asthma are usually not a problem.
However, we would always urge you to err on the side of caution and consult your GP if you have any concerns.
I’m interested in getting involved but I’m not sure I’m keen on the contact element.
That’s ok, you can still get involved! Many of our members don’t play but instead are part of the Officials crew as either a Referee or a Non-Skating Official (NSO). These members of the league are an integral part of the sport and we would love you to get involved. There is also nothing stopping you being both a player and an official!
Where can I see roller derby in action?
Check out our events page or our Facebook page for our upcoming games!
I’ve heard roller derby is dangerous, do you need insurance?
Roller derby is no more dangerous than any other contact sport. However people do get injured from time to time. Insurance is not a requirement, but if you would struggle to work if you sustained a serious injury we advise you look into insurance.
What if I have a question that isn’t on here?!
Feel free to get in touch! You can post on our page, or message us directly! Alternatively, you can drop us an email at info@manchesterrollerderby.org. We try and respond to all our messages within a few hours, but sometimes we have to do our actual real-life jobs (booo!), or we’re at training (yaaay!), so don’t fret if we don’t get back to you immediately.
Read about some of our skaters and their journey through Zero to Hero and Manchester Roller Derby, from complete beginners to skaters to be reckoned with in our teams.