Courtesy Photos People are seen participating in a roller derby game in this undated courtesy photo. The Shipwreck Alley Rollers will be offering their eight-week free course teaching members of the community how to play.

ALPENA — For the first time in the league’s history, Alpena’s roller derby team, the Shipwreck Alley Rollers will be offering their eight-week Learn to Play Roller Derby course absolutely free to community members, according to a press release from the organization on Friday.

“The opportunity to hold this course for free is just amazing,” said Shipwreck Alley’s Assistant General Manager Rae “Scary Jane” Guzman. “So many families are feeling stressed about their financial situation. Women are especially prone to putting their own health on the back burner, especially if it is going to take resources away from the rest of the family. A free course makes it that much easier for women to step out of their comfort zone and try something new…and just for them.”

However, it’s more than just finding new teammates that is on the newly appointed Board of Directors’ agenda.

“Roller Derby gives the gift of personal empowerment to anyone willing to put in the work, no matter your size, age or skill level,” said head coach Alison “Ape” Campbell.

“We’re hoping by offering free gear rental, free admissions and low cost childcare to those who need it, we will be able to bring in folks who might not typically be able to participate in roller derby,” said General Manager Cristi “Skella” Johnson. “Some amazing small businesses in our community agreed and are helping us foot the bill for track rental and gear maintenance.”

This year Learn to Play Roller Derby is sponsored by PIF Cider and Taproom, SkellaFiT Personal Training, Rick Houchin Photography, North Country Candy & Gifts, Rebel Roots Hair Studio, and Lady of the Lake Yoga.

The Shipwreck Alley Rollers were launched in 2016 and have been bringing in over 700 people per bout to Northern Lights Arena when they were at their peak.

When Covid hit, it hit the team hard.

“We’ve since had to re-evaluate and get back to the roots of why this team was built in the first place, and that was to serve the community and celebrate the strength of the women who reside in Northeast Michigan,” said Johnson.

And that’s just what they plan to do by offering an eight-week, fully-coached, instructional course that will begin with “How to Stop & Fall Safely” and will end with the participant’s very first scrimmage hosted on Aug. 24 at Northern Lights Arena. Skaters need no prior experience and safety equipment will be provided to those who preregister at shipwreckalleyrollers.com

“For me, derby is the best of high school sports and a girls night out. Derby has a way of bringing people together quickly. It’s community, exercise and a little bit of therapy all in one” added Guzman.

The league meets on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. at Northern Lights Arena. Pre-registration is required.