Player introduction: Annette

Annette, #7 (she, her)

I have played Roller Derby since 2012. During the years I’ve had two children, so I haven’t skated the entire time.
I got into derby after watching the movie Whip it. I fell in love with the sport immediately. I like how physical, fast-paced and social Roller Derby is. The practices and games are always great fun.
The best thing about this sport are the people ❤️.
I like to play both as a jammer and a blocker. I can’t decide which I like better.

Fun fact: I entertain myself with all kinds of trivia. For example I can remember all Finnish Presidents and their respective terms of office.

Open skate – a try out for roller derby and roller skating 13.2. and 16.2.2023

What: Roller derby open skate!
When: Monday 13th of February from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm and Thursday 16th of February from 6.30 pm to 8 pm
Where: Ilpoisten palloiluhalli, Lauklähteenkatu 15, Turku
Price: It’s free!
Sign-up form: https://forms.gle/mhjunkP2tsTL2sh37

Dirty River Roller Derby is looking for new skaters, referees and non-skating officials. This event is free of charge and open for everyone. You must be at least 16 to attend. You’ll get to try the skates and other gear, and you don’t need to know how to skate or have any background in sports to attend. Everyone is welcome! Wear comfy sports clothes and bring a water bottle with you.

Our next beginners’ practices starts later in the beginning of March! Questions? You can reach our beginners’ department at beginners@dirtyriverrollerderby.com – we speak English!

Player introduction: Ränni

Ränni, #233 (She/Her)

“I started playing derby in the fall 2021 when I finally got some more freetime after graduation. I had found derby earlier on social media and it came to my mind when I started to look for a new hobby in the summer. Derby combines in a very interesting way sports, having fun, community and it gives you the nice spice of adrenaline and excitement. At the moment I am interested in playing as a jammer but let’s see what future games bring!

Fun fact: I’ve been told that as animals I remind people of an otter or ermine!”

Player introduction: Jännä

Jännä, #27 (she/her)

“I’m playing as blocker, outside butt is my preference! My strength lies definitely in my good mood, I try to cheer others at practice and be there for them mentally and physically on the track!
Best thing about derby is that everyone is welcome, no matter of your size, sport backround, age, gender or what ever, there is always a place for you.

Fun fact: I got recruited from a pub.”

Player introduction: catnip everbean

catnip everbean, #1312 (she/her)

“I noticed DRRD’s open skate event during a Turku Pride week, went there and it was so much fun that I signed up for a beginners’ course! 😻
I love the community and I feel like I can be myself in it. Roller derby has taught me a lot about myself, my boundaries and being part of a caring community <3
As a player, I try to be encouraging and supportive and help create a safe environment for everyone. On the track I’m quite calm and stable and can play any position.
Playing roller derby has already given me so many great memories. I really loved my beginners’ course and there’s a special place in my heart for the people that were there.”

Player introduction: Pacifighter

Pacifighter, #24 (she/her)
 
“During practices, I have played both as jammer and blocker, but I prefer playing as a jammer. I’m good at skating, I skate quite fast. I’ve now been playing roller derby for about 9 months. I had seen it in some movies/series and last spring, I went to the open skate event. I immediately fell in love. I always leave the practices full of energy, even on days when I feel tired and considered staying home. It’s so much fun and full of action! “

Player introduction: Bitter Pan

Bitter Pan, #18 (she/her/they)

“I’ve been playing as a jammer since 2019, but I actually started derby in August 2010 after seeing Whip it! One of my best derby memories is when got to play in Iceland. It was a very cool place to play roller derby in! 💙

Fun fact: I’m a micro-mechanic student in The Finnish School of Watchmaking.”

Player introduction: Nemesis

Nemesis, # 92 (she/her)

“I started roller derby in spring 2022. I first learned about roller derby in 2011, but it took me over ten years and moving to a different city to actually get into playing it. I like it because anyone can play roller derby and be good at it regardless of your bodytype or gender. I really enjoyed our first scrimmage with the league. I was so nervous to play derby for real for the first time, but it was really fun! “

Player introduction: No Mercier

No Mercier, # 79 (she/her)

“I’ve been playing roller derby for less than a year, but I’ve got many more ahead of me I’m sure. A friend of mine told me about the league when I expressed missing moshpits (bumping into people is a lot of fun and helps releasing energy). I always struggled getting excited about sports – let alone group sports – until I discovered this. The atmosphere is most welcoming and supportive. I not only found a genuinely enjoyable activity, but also a beautiful community of people.

Fun fact: my cats own land in Scotland and therefore are lords”

Player introduction: Warjo

Warjo, #101 (She/her)

I am a blocker, I guess. 😅 I started roller derby this April on a beginners’ course, so I havent played that long at all. I got into it because I saw a picture on Instagram, started googling roller derby, watched a bunch of games on Youtube and very soon I e-mailed our league to ask when can I join. 😄 It’s the most fun I’ve had doing any kind of sports. I don’t think there have been any practices when I haven’t laughed! Roller derby is very challenging and fast paced, but it’s the best feeling when you succeed in something. People are SO nice! And I feel 😎cool😎 when I tell people about roller derby (not so much on the track hehe).

Fun fact: Last spring my pupils awarded me with the title ‘Most Fashionable’. 🤠