Building strong skaters — on and off the track.
Welcome to Wilmington Junior Roller Derby
A youth sports league focused on fun, confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
Who We Are
Wilmington Junior Roller Derby (WJRD) is a nonprofit league for youth ages 7–17 of all genders. We offer a safe, supportive environment where kids learn teamwork, confidence, and skating skills — all while having a blast.
Practice Schedule
Mondays : 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Why Kids Love Derby — and Why Parents Stick Around
Confidence That Lasts
“I didn’t think I could be athletic… but then I joined derby.” — Age 10
Roller derby builds self-esteem through real progress. Kids learn to push past frustration, try again, and surprise themselves with what they can do.
A Community That Welcomes Everyone
Everyone cheers each other on. You’re never left out.” — Age 12
WJRD creates a team environment where every kid matters — no matter their background, skill level, or starting point. Parents love the inclusive, family-like vibe.
Resilience On and Off the Track
“It’s a lot to learn, but you keep getting back up — literally.” — Age 13
Skaters practice showing up, falling safely, and pushing through challenges. The mindset they build on skates transfers to school, friendships, and life.
Connection That Grows With Them
“My mom volunteers, and it’s cool that we both do derby now.” — Age 11
Roller derby isn’t just for the skaters — it’s for families. From track setup to cheering in the stands, many parents stay involved and find new ways to connect with their kids through the sport they love.
Ready to Skate? Let’s Roll.
Whether your child’s a seasoned skater or just finding their balance, we’ve got a spot for them on the track.
Wilmington Junior Roller Derby is open to all kids ages 7 to 17, and yes — we’ll teach them how to skate.
We practice every Monday from 6:00–8:00 PM, and your child is welcome to try a practice for free to see what it’s all about. No gear yet? No problem — we’ll help guide you.
They’ll build confidence, make friends, and discover a sport that empowers them on and off the track.
3 Ways to Get Involved
🙋 Volunteer With Us
Help make practices and games happen — from track setup to scorekeeping, we need you!
💸 Sponsor the Team
Support our nonprofit league and get your name or business featured while helping kids roll strong.
🛼 Sign Up a Skater
Open to ages 7–17 — we’ll teach them everything they need to know. First practice is free!
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group can join WJRD?
Ages 7–17. We group skaters by skill level, not just age, so every kid progresses at their own pace — whether they’re just starting or already rolling strong.
Does my child need to know how to skate?
Not at all. We’ll teach them everything — from standing up safely to full roller derby gameplay. Many of our best skaters started as complete beginners.
Is roller derby safe?
Yes — and we take that seriously.
We follow the official safety protocols outlined by the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA), the national organization that governs youth derby in the U.S. and abroad.
✅ All skaters are required to wear full protective gear
✅ Our coaches are background-checked through JRDA
✅ All volunteers on the floor complete concussion awareness training
✅ We always have at least one CPR-certified adult present at every event or practice
✅ Safety is built into every drill we run — especially for beginners
🔗 Helpful Links for Parents:
What gear is required — and do we need it right away?
Skaters need quad skates, a multi-impact helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a mouthguard.
But don’t stress — we have loaner gear to get your child started while you gather the rest.
How much does it cost to join?
• $50 per session (Spring/Fall)
• $40/month for 1 skater
• Discounts for multiple skaters
• Your first practice is free — no gear or payment required.
What if my child isn’t sure or wants to try it first?
They can!
We offer free trial practices so kids can experience derby before registering. We want every skater to feel excited and ready before they commit.
Who are the coaches?
Our coaches are a passionate mix of experienced skaters, parents, and dedicated volunteers — and they love working with kids.
Collectively, our coaching staff brings over 47 years of roller derby experience to the league. That includes competitive skating, officiating, mentoring, and junior league coaching.
Every adult working with WJRD:
Has passed a background check
Completes concussion awareness and SafeSport training
Follows all safety guidelines outlined by the Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA)
We believe in building not just great skaters — but confident, resilient kids.
Will my kid be left out if they’re new or shy?
Absolutely not.
Derby is a team sport that celebrates individuality. Every skater contributes — and we’re committed to building a welcoming, inclusive culture that supports kids at every level.
What’s the time commitment?
We practice once a week — every Monday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM here in Wilmington.
For most skaters, that’s the full commitment.
But once your child reaches Level 3 (full-contact), they may have the option to travel for games or tournaments on select weekends. This is completely optional and only introduced once a skater is ready — safety and skill come first.
Do I have to volunteer?
WJRD is a 100% volunteer-run organization — which means we rely on parents and supporters to help make practices, games, and events happen.
While we don’t currently have a formal volunteer requirement in place, we’re actively working on a system that’s fair, flexible, and family-friendly. Our goal is to make sure everyone contributes in a way that fits their time and comfort level — whether it’s helping with track setup, running the scoreboard, organizing fundraisers, or just cheering from the sidelines.
Most parents find that getting involved helps them connect with their kids and the community in a really meaningful way.
Stay tuned — we’ll be rolling out more details soon, and you’ll be the first to know.
Scooter Skating Rink
341 Shipyard Blvd, Wilmington, NC 28412
