Funding rolls in for London Roller Derby part of Greene King IPA's £1 million milestone donation
London-based roller derby league, London Roller Derby, was awarded a £3,000 grant last year to continue to provide inclusivity and accessibility in the local community as part of Greene King IPA’s Proud to Pitch In scheme.
Proud to Pitch Inis an initiative that has offered cash grants to grassroots and community sports clubs across the UK. Funding from the sale of pints and can packs sold in participating pubs and retail stores has supported local clubs from the ground up and provided them with the tools they need to continue to play the sports they love.
London Roller Derby is run entirely by its skaters and a dedicated team of volunteers in London who donate their time to support the sport and build community. As one of the largest roller derby leagues in the south east, the club regularly receives enquiries from prospective club members, but the high cost of equipment and venue hire created a financial barrier for the club. With the support from the Proud to Pitch In scheme, London Roller Derby has been able to break down these barriers.
The grant allowed the club to secure venue hire located in South London, enabling them to welcome new attendees within the local community to try the sport in a safe environment and accessible way. London Roller Derby also used the grant to acquire vital gear including helmets, padding, skates, assorted wheel sets and new storage facilities, significantly reducing the financial cost for new attendees.
Nele Van Bogaert, skater at London Roller Derby’s A team and England National Team, said: “I’ve never truly felt like I fit in. I played all kinds of mainstream sports - football, volleyball, and more. But the teams didn’t feel like they held my soul or beat with my heartbeat. That all changed when I discovered roller derby. Suddenly, everything made sense.
“In derby, everyone contributes - not just on the track but behind the scenes too. That shared responsibility gave me a sense of purpose and belonging I had never felt before. I wasn’t just part of a team; I was helping to shape it.
“Over the past 12 years, derby has been my one constant. It’s helped me become who I am. I live with mental health challenges, and having the support of a team, the structure of league work, and the responsibility to help keep something alive and thriving, has meant everything. Roller derby has saved my life more than once. It holds my heart, body, and soul.”
Gemma Woolnough-Smith, Marketing Manager for Greene King IPA, said: “In sport there are no labels - just the team and the shared passion for what they do. At Greene King IPA, we support grassroots teams who strive to make an impact in the community and London Roller is a great example of a club that continues to promote connection, resilience, and inclusion within the sport. We look forward to seeing London Roller Derby continue to break down barriers and showcase the importance of inclusion throughout everyday life.”
The Proud to Pitch In fund has helped more than 370 clubs, reaching its £1million goal for funding this year and supporting more sports clubs across the UK.