WFTDA Announces International Expansion

On November 5, 2009, the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) accepted its first ever league outside North America, the London Rollergirls. The London Rollergirls have joined WFTDA as Apprentice Program participants, and will be working within the organization to achieve full membership in the coming months.

WFTDA is delighted to begin collaborating with overseas leagues," says Juliana Gonzales, Executive Director for the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). "We have a lot to learn from each other, and we're excited to see the strength of the flat-track derby community expand its reach outside North America."

Formed in 2004, the Women's Flat Track Derby Association is comprised of 78 full members and 24 Apprentice Program participants. In 2009, the association accepted Canadian leagues into its membership, adding Montreal Roller Derby and Hammer City Roller Girls. The WFTDA anticipates an influx of overseas applicants in the coming months.

For more information on joining WFTDA: http://wftda.com/join
For more information on the London Rollergirls: http://www.londonrollergirls.com/

London Rollergirls is absolutely thrilled to be the first league outside North America to be accepted into the WFTDA apprentice program.  We helped bring roller derby to the UK and now we can help bring WFTDA to the world.  We are determined to make this sport a truly international phenomenon, and we believe that aligning ourselves with the WFTDA is the right way to make it happen.  On a personal note, LRG is ready to throw ourselves into the competitive world that WFTDA offers and we cant wait for the chance to be eligible for the tournaments that showcase the best roller derby in the world.

• Bette Noir (aka Courtney Welch)
  Director, London Rollergirls