A new Clackmannanshire roller derby team is looking for enthusiastic and dedicated members who are up for a challenge.

The brand new co-ed Wee County Roller Derby Team is looking for members over 16 years of age. The contact sport, which became popular in the 40s around the United States, is played by two teams of five roller skating in the same direction around a track.

Both teams have a designated scoring player, the “jammer”, who tries to lap members of the opposing team. The other four skaters aim to hinder the opposing jammer, while assisting their own, playing both defence and offence simultaneously.

Team member Hazel Johnstone told the Advertiser: “Roller derby is becoming increasingly popular world wide and we think its about time it comes to the Wee County.

“You use old school quad skates to play and [it] is a fast paced, hard hitting contact sport. We are aiming to build a team of people from age 16 upwards that are dedicated, up for a challenge and who are not afraid to get stuck in.

“Its a very fun sport, great exercise and has the benefit of helping you meet some awesome people along the way.” Another member of the team, Melissa Russell, said the group is “very much about community spirit” and through the sport, Wee CRD wants to promote health and wellbeing throughout the local area.

She added: “Joining a roller derby team is a great experience because its more than just skating. Because we are a non profit league, we all chip in to run training, finances, fundraising, promotions etc. And if skating isn’t for you, we are also looking for offskates officials for bouts as well as referees to train up.” The legal age to officially compete in the league is 18, but the team is happy to take on younger enthusiasts who wish to train up to a standard and get fit in the meantime.

There are no set dates and times for training sessions yet, but currently the team meets at Tullibody Civic Centre, usually on week nights, for an agility bootcamp and outdoor skating sessions.

People of all experience levels are welcome and those interested can get in touch with the team via its Facebook page, search for Wee County Roller Derby, or email weecrd@gmail.com. The first training session is free for beginners and members are happy to supply a loan kit for one session, but people need to bring their own mouthguards.

After the first training, sessions cost £5 or £30 for a month membership. Equipment needed includes a pair of quad skates, a helmet as well as wrist, elbow and knee pads.