The Maui Roller Girls have been accepted into the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association’s Apprentice Program. The Roller Girls were one of just 11 teams worldwide that were accepted in this round, which could lead to the team becoming a full member league.

The WFTDA is the international governing body for the sport of women’s flat track roller derby. It is also a membership organization where leagues can collaborate and network. The WFTDA sets standards for rules, seasons, and safety, and determines guidelines for the national and international athletic competitions of member leagues. There are currently 369 WFTDA member leagues and 65 leagues in the WFTDA Apprentice program.

By being accepted into the WFTDA Apprentice Program, Maui Roller Girls now have a stepping stone to full WFTDA membership; the Apprentice Program is designed to ensure that leagues are well prepared for the transition to a WFTDA Member League.

The 11 teams accepted into the Apprentice Program come from around the world, including Dom City Dolls and Parliament of Pain from the Netherlands, and Prague City Roller Derby from Prague, Czech Republic. US teams include Twin City Knockers from Shreveport, LA; Rocket City Roller Derby from Pasadena, TX; and Los Alamos Derby Dames from New Mexico.

Maui Roller Girls extended thanks to those who have supported the team since its inception, including their present and former members. The team spokesperson also thanked the lady who started Roller Derby in Hawaii, Killah Kelly. The team also expressed thanks its 2016 season sponsors: Maui Pacific Solar, HONBLUE Maui, and Joyce Chin Photography. In a statement, the team expressed words of appreciation to Hawaii’s other Roller Derby teams: Waimea Wranglers, Paradise Roller Girls, Pacific Roller Derby, Garden Isle Renegade Rollerz and Echo City Knock-Outs.

“Most of all, we send all of our aloha out to Ivanna S. Spanking, Trish the Dish and the SoCal Derby League, whose support since our humble beginnings and amazing letter of recommendation played a big part in this first step to becoming a full-fledged member of WFTDA,” said a team spokesperson. “As we start our journey towards becoming a full member league, we are ready to put in the work that it will take to get there. What WFTDA membership means for our fans is more derby both on and off island, and we look forward to welcoming teams from around the world to our beautiful home–Maui No Ka Oi!”

Photo: Duane Sparkman