13 Women's Roller Derby Leagues Join WFTDA Apprentice Program

WFTDA's Apprentice Membership Program accepted 13 new leagues in the first quarter of 2012. There are now 81 women’s flat track roller derby leagues enjoying the benefits of WFTDA Apprenticeship. The latest class represents continued growth through all of WFTDA's game play regions and includes one additional European league.

Congratulations to:

• Black Rose Rollers, of Hanover, Pennsylvania
• Cedar Rapids RollerGirls, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa
• Cen-Tex Rollergirls, of Temple, Texas
• Charlottesville Derby Dames, of Charlottesville, Virginia
• Cheyenne Capidolls, of Cheyenne, Wyoming
• El Paso Roller Derby, of El Paso, Texas
• Gainesville Roller Rebels, of Gainesville, Florida
• Leeds Roller Dolls, of Leeds, England
• NOtown Roller Derby, of Fresno, California
• River Valley Rollergirls, of Fort Smith, Arkansas
• Rollergirls of Central Kentucky, of Lexington, Kentucky
• So Cal Roller Derby, of San Diego, California
• West Coast Derby Knockouts, of Ventura, California

Designed to act as a WFTDA 101 tutorial, the Apprentice Program matches new leagues with an established WFTDA mentor, who guides her apprentice through WFTDA processes and requirements, and offers advice about league-specific issues. The curriculum can include everything from league formation to how to become ranked and qualify for WFTDA-sponsored tournaments. Upon completion of the program, apprentice leagues will have the knowledge and league recommendations to apply for full WFTDA membership. New apprentice leagues are accepted quarterly.