Iowa’s First Roller Derby Team Spreads Its Wings

Des Moines, IA (I-Newswire) December 9, 2010 - The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) has named the Mid Iowa Rollers to its apprentice league. For Iowa’s oldest roller derby team, this means a larger territory of play, a new level of competition, and an even more serious dedication to the sport they brought to the state in 2006.

Just ten years ago, there was only one roller derby league in the U.S. Now there are around 500. As reported by many sources -- including NBC News and USA Today -- roller derby is the fastest growing sport in the United States, and teams such as the Mid Iowa Rollers are helping spread the rampant enthusiasm.

“In addition to our commitment to derby, we’ve always been extremely active in the community with charitable, fundraising and education activities. The clout of our apprentice status with our sport’s governing body will give us even more opportunities to get bigger, stronger and better… and that benefits our local economy, too,” says Lindsay Leimbacher of the Mid Iowa Rollers.

And expanding they sure are. Last season, the team moved from holding its games (also called bouts) at a local rink to its new home at the Iowa Event Center, often drawing crowds of over 1,000 per bout. Mid Iowa Rollers went undefeated during its 2010 season, so they are primed for this expansion with the WFTDA.

What does WFTDA apprenticeship mean for the Mid Iowa Rollers? Apprentice leagues are matched with veteran member leagues who guide them in the processes and requirements necessary to become a full member of the association. The process usually takes about a year.

Apprentice leagues are considered “pre-members” of the WFTDA and have access to many of the resources and benefits of membership, including product discounts and group rates on insurance. Once they are full members, the Mid Iowa Rollers will have the opportunity to participate in league-sanctioned bouts and tournaments as well have input in administrative and regulations forums that directly affect the sport of roller derby.

For information on the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, visit www.wftda.com. More about the Mid Iowa Rollers is at www.midiowarollers.com.


Media Contact:
Lindsay Leimbacher
Public Relations Director, Mid Iowa Rollers
515-249-3117
fannyfirestarter@yahoo.com

About Mid Iowa Rollers:
The Mid Iowa Rollers is Iowa's first women's flat track roller derby team. Their 2010 record is an undefeated 8-0.

Company Contact Information
Mid Iowa Rollers
Lindsay Leimbacher
PO Box 37321, Des Moines, IA
50315
Phone : 515-249-3117