The Derby Dolls are Los Angeles' premier banked track roller derby league. The league was founded in October 2003 by Rebecca Ninburg (Demolicious) and Wendy Templeton (Thora Zeen). In January 2018, the league was granted its 501c3 status, under the name CA Derby Dolls. Over the last fifteen years, the Derby Dolls have continued to evolve and are now a thriving, volunteer run organization comprised of more than 150 adult and junior skaters, referees, and trainers. The Derby Dolls are committed to achieving the highest level of competition, integrity and production quality, while enriching the lives of its members and community through sport. This mission is accomplished through a state of the art training program, professionally produced bouts, introductory classes, and tailored workshops for community groups. Throughout its history, the Derby Dolls have produced 14 seasons comprised of more than 20+ bouts annually, won multiple national and regional championships (National Battle on the Bank: 1st Place - 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019; 2nd place 2009, 2011, and 3rd place in 2010; and Regional Battle for the Coast- Flat Track: 1st place - 2012 and 2013; 2nd place - 2014), hosted over 25 training camps for adult and junior skaters and volunteered in hundreds of transformative community events. The Derby Dolls offer programming seven days a week to its 150 adult and junior skaters, who each commit to a minimum of 14 hours a month of training. Programming includes skills-based practices on and off skates; team skater, mid level (Subpool) and entry level (Fresh Meat) practices, and team and mixed-level scrimmages (bouting). A rotating series of introductory and advanced introductory classes (Derby Por Vida) are open to community members for a fee. And specialized workshops (RollUp!) are made available at no cost to targeted populations. (Past groups have included youth at risk for gang involvement; survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault; and formerly-incarcerated women with their female children). The Derby Dolls also commit their time and career talents to a robust schedule of year round service projects to promote the health and well-being of communities throughout Los Angeles County. In addition to specialized workshops, league skaters also oversee service engagement projects in our surrounding communities (i.e. a league-produced health fair, neighborhood clean ups, marathons and CicLAvias, literacy events, family movie nights, and more). These projects expose Derby Dolls skaters, their families and the league’s fan base to a broad range of social issues: homelessness, educational equity, violence against women, suicide prevention, access to quality health care, etc. - and provide opportunities for everyone to become involved in promoting healthier communities.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Derby Dolls is a non-profit, volunteer-run banked-track roller derby league operated by its members. Our mission centers feminism within athletics and through community, growth, and leadership opportunities.
