By Allison Werbowetsky
Swift Current
It's time to snap off those perfectly-manicured acrylics and slap on a helmet and knee pads, ladies, because roller derby is coming to Swift Current.

Sheri Schafer and Heather Switzer are starting up the city's first-ever roller derby club, and they are looking for women ages 18 and up and of all shapes and sizes to join the team.

The two derby divas have put the call out via a Facebook group with the hope of attracting enough women to form at least one Swift Current team. A typical team is made up of about 10 skaters and, so far, the group has spawned enough interest to build two teams.

Both Schafer and Switzer got on to the idea of a roller derby team after attending bouts in Regina and Brandon.

“I was hooked instantly,” Schafer said. “It’s something different, as opposed to volleyball, hockey and everything else, and I like the fact that it’s contact. What I (also) liked about it is there’s a variety of people and sizes and shapes and ages, and all of these people are women coming together as one team no matter how old or tough you are.”

“For me, it’s the camaraderie. I’m going to be out there and be a part of a team of women who are probably a lot like me. Sheri’s got kids, I’ve got kids...and I want to make my kids proud, and I do think this is a great way to do it,” Switzer added.

The club will be part of the flat-track league, and will compete against clubs from across the prairie provinces, including Saskatoon, Moose Jaw, Regina, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge.

Eventually, it will likely host one bout a month, with practices scheduled once a week.

“Many of the women who are going to be doing this are moms, so, you know, you’re trying to fit this into your schedule, and I think it’s a reasonable expectation. Speaking on my own behalf, I know it’s hard to get out, so it’s good to have something planned even if it’s just a practice. You’re being active with other women who want to wear fishnets and hurt people—it’s great!” Switzer said.

The venue is still yet to be determined, but as a flat-track team, all the club will need is a smooth surface, a scoreboard and some tape. Locations such as the Credit Union i-plex, the recreation centre, a school gym, the Palliser or the Stockade are all possibilities.

As for equipment, roller skates, a mouthguard, helmet and knee and elbow pads, can all be found online. Websites such as www.eocskates.com, which is based out of Regina, is where most of the derby ladies purchase their gear.

Stellar skating skills are not a necessity, although tryouts and an endurance test to get into the league will be part of the process eventually.

“The first thing you need is the desire to get out there and have fun—but understanding that it is a competitive contact sport. All those skills, if you really want them, you can acquire. I don’t think it’ll take that long to get comfortable on the track,” Switzer said.

Schafer and Switzer have no doubt in their minds their roller derby team will become a complete success. They’ve even gotten feedback from local businesses willing to sponsor the team once it’s up and running.

“I’m looking forward to it because it’s like an alter ego—mild mannered banker by day, ‘Bruise Willis’ by night. I’ve always loved Halloween so to me, it’s like Halloween everyday on skates. I don’t think I could ask for something more,” Switzer said.

The team needs a name, theme and logo, and each skater will need a funky pseudonym as well. Anyone with creative ideas are asked to visit the team’s Facebook page under Swift Current Roller Derby.

For more information, or to sign up, visit the Facebook page or email Schafer at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .