Let’s rock and roll – history in the making for Glasgow’s Mean City Roller Derby

It’s Scotland vs England at the ARC sportscentre as the homegrown heroes of Mean City Roller Derby take on devilish challengers, the Barrow Infernos.

It’s a very special occasion for Glasgow as this is the team’s first competitive bout after forming last year. Mean City will feature a host of experienced players, alongside emerging talent, and hope to begin with a win.

Mean City captain and founder Jason Crawford said: “We’re proud to finally make our competitive debut as Mean City Roller Derby this Saturday. Most of the team have a lot of experience on-track, but this is the first time we have bouted as Mean City in our own right.

“It’s going to be a very special occasion - we can’t wait to get started. Barrow Infernos are a cracking team and fitting opponents for our first competitive match. It’s certainly going to be red-hot action - a real baptism of fire.”

Barrow Infernos are a men’s roller derby team skating in the Furness Firecrackers league - based in Barrow In Furness.

The men triumped against a team from Central Scotland - the Skelpies - in July, so it will be a tough test for the Mean machine.

Saturday’s men’s roller derby clash is part of a special double-header featuring New Town Roller Girls from Livingston and The Flaming Noras from Furness Firecrackers. The action begins at 11.30am.

Talented New Town recently took part in a co-ed event in Grangemouth and are out to make a major noise with their first competitive bout.

Meanwhile, The Flaming Noras are building up an explosive reputation for their rock ‘n’ roll style and amazing skills.

A spokesperson said: “It’s going to be a fantastic double-header on Saturday. To kick us off we have two female teams of rising roller derby stars, who are sure to bring the awesome in a big way. Both New Town and Furness can’t wait to show the world just how amazing women’s roller derby is.

”And then we have Mean City taking a long-anticipated bow in their first competitive bout against the hard-hitting Furness Infernos.

”It’s going to be a high-octane sporting occasion for all the family – packed full of thrills, spills, action, excitement, drama and daring skills.

”Get your tickets now online or pay at the door. It’s great value and a terrific chance to enjoy the different styles offered by men and women’s roller derby.”

The double-header takes place at the ARC, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow, G4 0BA, on Saturday, October 12 – 11.30pm-4pm.

Visit www.facebook.com/MeanCityRollerDerby for more information.

* Roller derby is a full contact sport played by two teams of five, roller skating in the same direction around a flat track.

* Game play consists of a series of short match-ups (jams) in which both teams designate a scoring player (the jammer) who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team.

* The teams attempt to assist their own jammer whilst hindering the opposing jammer - playing both offence and defence simultaneously.