Roller Derby is a fast-paced, full contact sport played on quad roller skates by women's, men's and more recently mixed-gender junior teams. While there have been several World Cups for the adults, 23rd and 24th July 2018 will see the first Junior Roller Derby World Cup take place in Philadelphia, USA. Sheffield Steel Junior Rollers (SSJR) are incredibly proud to say that three of our skaters --Eilidh Murray-Stringer, Tilda Patterson, and Abi Raby-- have been selected to be part of the team representing Great Britain.

However, attending this once-in-a-lifetime event will not be cheap. Flights, hotel rooms and food over the duration of the tournament will present a significant expense for each of the skaters’ families. It is estimated that it will cost £1000 for each skater, parent or guardian to make the trip. SSJR are therefore helping them to raise as much of the £6000 they need as possible. Any money received will be split evenly between the families.

This is a unique opportunity for these three young women. While junior roller derby is not a gender-specific sport, we feel that it’s important to note that almost all of the members of the UK squad are girls, and that roller derby provides a rare opportunity for juniors of all genders to compete on equal footing.

So, we’re asking for your help. Together, let’s get our skaters to America, where they can prove to the world that they are as good at roller derby as we know they are!