The idea for a Kingston roller derby league had been floating around for a few years when, in the fall of 2009, three local derby fanatics decided it was time to stop talking and give it a go. The trio set a couple of registration dates in March 2010, hoping to get 20 skaters so that they could cover the rink rental costs. By the end of the second night, over 60 skaters had signed up. The Kingston
Derby Girls were born. These first brave derby girls trained hard all summer, learning the basics of flat-track roller derby, the complicated rules, and the perils of fishnet burn. The league called on other leagues for coaching assistance and played host to visiting members of the Rideau Valley Roller Girls and Toronto Roller Derby. That historic first season culminated with an amazing exhibition bout in September 2010, “Back To Cruel” — which sold out the Memorial Centre with over 2,300 attendees. Since then, our skaters have put hundreds of hours into on- and off-skate training and conditioning, and have participated in intensive roller derby camps in Ontario, Quebec, New England, Las Vegas, and beyond. As a result of this rigorous training, our skaters have been formidable opponents to teams from many other leagues, and all of our teams are climbing in the international derby rankings. The league continues to thrive as a not-for-profit, DIY, skater-run organization. Members putting in countless hours off the track in committees and on a Board of Directors, to keep the league going strong. Together we have built a competitive sports league, based on feminist principles of inclusion and equality that works to inspire women to achieve a high level of athleticism and self-confidence. Our teams train intensively both off the track and on, and can't wait to show you what we're made of this season!