Cape Fear Roller Derby kicks off season with new Junior League

The Cape Fear Roller Derby is set to have its first full season since before the pandemic, adding a Junior League to the mix to introduce more people to the sport.

Wilmington, NC (WWAY) — The Cape Fear Roller Derby is set to have its first full season since before the pandemic, adding a Junior League to the mix to introduce more people to the sport.

The new Junior League is for kids of all gender identities, aged 7 to 17.

“It’s been two and a half years now of us trying to rebuild this league,” said Lisa Rabito, the League president, speaking about the strain the pandemic put on the sport. Rabito says that before the pandemic, the league had a strong group of female skaters, but have struggled to regain membership since the restrictions ended.

The league had formerly gone by The Cape Fear Roller Girls, but have since opened the league up to all genders and ages, hoping the inclusivity would encourage more people to join.

“I think we’re going to do a real good job this year getting our numbers back up,” Rabito said, “And being able to have regular bouts and being able to get back into it.”

The league will hold open practices every Monday at Scooter’s Family Skating Center in Wilmington. Kids practice is from 6:30-8:30 pm., and adult practice is 8:30-10:30 p.m.

Monthly dues for the adult league is $40.