Brighton Rockers Roller Derby (BRRD) is a flat track roller derby league based in Brighton in East Sussex, England. Founded in 2010, the league consists of three teams,[1] which compete against teams from other leagues.
The league formed in 2010 in the Lion and Lobster pub at a meeting including founder member Elli Ades (derby name Hairy Fairy), and The Mighty Mighty Bash, who came from London Rockin' Rollers.[4][5]
Brighton was accepted as a member of the United Kingdom Roller Derby Association (UKRDA) in March 2012,[6] though the league suffered a setback in July, when its kit was stolen from a member's car.[7]
In 2013 it played in the first UKRDA Southern tournament, "Roller Rumble", in which it finished in fourth place after a narrow loss to Bristol Roller Derby.[8][9]
In January 2015, Brighton Rockers entered the WFTDA Apprentice Program.[10] The Rockers became a full member of the WFTDA in July 2017.[11]
League Structure
Brighton Rockers
Brighton Rockers is the All Stars Travel team. Consisting of a roster of twenty skaters who compete all over the world against other WFTDA-ranked teams.[12]
Brighton Rockerbillies
Formed in 2015, Brighton Rockerbillies are the B Team of Brighton Rockers. The Rockerbillies compete against teams all over the UK and Europe.[13]
Brighton C-Side
Formed in 2018, Brighton C-Side are the C Team of the Brighton Rockers. The C-Siders compete again challenge teams and recreational leagues in the UK.[14]
Brighton Rockers All Terrain Support (BRATS)
This is the league's official fan club, who have their own website and produce game reports and a fanzine, Turn Left.[15][16]
*Please note that rankings were suspended in March 2020 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.[21]
British Roller Derby Championships
The Rockers participated in the Women T2 South tier of the British Roller Derby Championships in 2015. They faced London Rockin' Rollers, who beat them 207-141. Their next game was against Portsmouth Roller Wenches, which also ended in defeat for the Brighton side, 215-150. Their bad luck continued with a loss to Royal Windsor Roller Derby, 348-196, but the Rockers beat Seaside Siren Roller Girls in their final game of the competition, 253-175.[22]