SKATERS from across Essex are gearing up for a fast-paced Roller Derby tournament this weekend.

Essex Men’s Roller Derby is teaming up with Southend’s Seaside Siren Roller Girls to enter the tournament at Clements Hall Leisure Centre in Hockley.

Roller derby is a popular, fastpaced, full-contact sport, played on an oval track by skaters wearing roller skates. Teams attempt to score points by lapping their opponents, while avoiding attempts to knock them down or off the track.

Rival teams from neighbouring counties Norfolk and Suffolk, as well as London, Scotland, Ireland and even Amsterdam will also compete.

The event, called ‘Roller Derby Sevens’, is a world-first. Roller derby games normally feature teams of 14 skaters playing for two 30-minute periods. Roller Derby Sevens only allows seven skaters a side, and the one-day tournament will consist of a series of tough 21-minute endurance games, leading up to a nail-biting final.

Event co-ordinator Mike Bromfield said: “It will be a very entertaining day for the audience, and a true test of skill and endurance for the skaters. The mix of top-level male and female skaters from across the UK and beyond is exciting.”

Essex Men’s Roller Derby have an open invite to anyone to join them at their training sessions, whether you are an expert or an absolute beginner on skates. They meet every Sunday from 8pm until 9.30pm at Clements Hall Leisure Centre in Hockley.

Tickets for Roller Derby Sevens cost £7 and can be purchased from rollerderbysevens.bigcartel.com For more information, visit facebook.com/essexmensrd or email essexmensrollerderby@ gmail.com