Walking the Walk
Ann Arbor Roller Derby
The Ann Arbor Roller Derby is a non-profit organization that focuses on the sport of roller derby, helping craft an inclusive, fun, competitive, and respectable environment in the community. We spoke with Liz Phillips, AKA Nebula, PR & Marketing Co-Director for the Ann Arbor Roller Derby. In this interview, we discussed her role in the organization, how others can attend their games, and plans for the season. Conversation highlights are listed below.
Listen to the interview on Spotify or view a summarized transcription of our interview with Liz Phillips below.
How long does it take to learn the sport and eventually join a team?
Liz - "Everything in our sport is volunteer-run. Our Crash Course training program is six months, teaching others everything from how to skate to playing roller derby. There is also learning the rules of roller derby within that. So at the end of that, you have an idea of the rules and how to play. In our league in the Ann Arbor Roller Derby, you're immediately on a team."
How do you market the sport?
Liz - "Once people are aware of roller derby, it becomes easier to gain attendees. So my job is to get more butts in seats and increase brand awareness, because not only do we have a roller derby team, Ann Arbor Roller Derby is ranked eighth in the Northeast region out of about 150 teams and 28th out of 1000 teams in the world."
Talk about the diversity in your organization and within the sport?
Liz - "We play within our governing body, the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). We are a gender diverse sport. The statement from WFTDA includes the phrase, any individual of a marginalized gender can play in a WFTDA game and be on a WFTDA team. We have cisgender, transgender, and non-binary skaters on our team. And our community comes from all over the LGBTQ plus alphabet. Outside of being an actual player, anyone of any background can be involved; there are no limitations."
As The Marketing Director, do you have any goals for this upcoming season?
Liz - "My goal is to get people to the games. It is also our Sweet 16th anniversary. We are promoting season passes this year, so you can enjoy our home games and any games during a tournament we're hosting. Also, you can share it with somebody."
While celebrating your sweet 16, is there anything that you would put out there to the world?
Liz - "Come out and watch a game. It's going to be a lot of fun this season. We have a tournament for the first time, "Round Robin Ruckus." We will also have open games that people can attend, a photo booth, and some halftime entertainment. Keep your eye out. We also have some exclusive merch for this year to celebrate the season with a throwback to our first logo!"
For more information about Ann Arbor Roller Derby, visit www.a2rollerderby.com. This information includes their schedule and contacts, where you can inquire about purchasing their season passes.