OUR STORY
Victorian Roller Derby League (VRDL) is Melbourne's home of roller derby
About us
Founded in 2007 by a group of passionate skaters determined to build something new, VRDL has grown from a grassroots league into one of the world's leading roller derby organisations. What began with a handful of members skating together and hosting bouts for friends and family has evolved into a thriving community of athletes, officials, volunteers, coaches, and supporters.
Today, VRDL is a member-owned, not-for-profit sporting organisation that provides opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to participate in roller derby. Whether you're learning to skate, competing at an elite level, officiating, or volunteering, there is a place for you at VRDL.
From Local Beginnings to the World Stage
VRDL has played a key role in the growth of roller derby in Australia and internationally. From early interleague games that helped establish the sport nationally, to becoming the first Australian league accepted into the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), VRDL has consistently pushed boundaries both on and off the track.
In 2017, VRDL made history as the first league outside the United States to win the WFTDA Championships - a defining moment that cemented Melbourne as a global force in roller derby.
While competitive success is part of our story, the heart of VRDL has always been its people and its community.
Teams Across Every Level
VRDL provides a clear development pathway for skaters at every stage of their journey, from entry-level participation through to international competition. Our representative program includes All Stars (A), Thunder (B), and Comets (C), supporting international representation, national competition, and development across the pathway.
Alongside this, VRDL maintains a strong Home Team structure that underpins internal competition and helps build depth, connection, and game experience across the league, including the Dead Ringer Roses (formerly Rosies) and Toxic Avengers.
At entry level, VRDL supports new skaters through Skate Fit and Learn to Derby programs, providing structured, accessible pathways into skating and roller derby.
We also support junior skaters through structured training and development pathways, helping develop the next generation of athletes.
Community, Identity & Inclusion
VRDL is proudly rooted in queer community, inclusive sport, and the growth of women’s roller derby.
From its earliest days, the league has been shaped by a diverse and passionate membership, including a strong queer presence that continues to influence the culture of the organisation today. VRDL is committed to being a space where LGBTQIA+ skaters, officials, volunteers, and supporters can participate fully, safely, and authentically.
We believe sport should reflect the communities it serves. That means actively building an environment that values inclusion, respect, and belonging - not just in principle, but in practice.
Alongside this, VRDL is deeply committed to the development of women’s sport. We support athletes at every level to train, compete, and lead in a high-performance environment while staying grounded in a strong community culture. Our league exists to grow opportunity, visibility, and equity for women and gender-diverse people in sport.
TIMELINE
2007–2019
Growth & International Success
2020–2021
COVID & Rebuilding
2022
Return to Competition
2023
Reconnecting & Rebuilding
2024
Global Competition Returns
2025 - onwards
Looking Ahead
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Founded in Melbourne and quickly established as a leading Australian league
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Expanded into multiple home and representative teams
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Became the first Australian league accepted into WFTDA
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Regular international competition across Europe and North America
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2017 WFTDA Champions - The All Stars were first non-US league to win the title
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All Stars maintained position among the top-ranked teams in the world
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Queen Bees won the 2018 WFTDA B Team Championships and were as runners-up in 2019.
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Melbourne heavily impacted by COVID lockdowns
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Competition paused and community significantly disrupted
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Major membership turnover and rebuilding phase
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Focus on training, rebuilding culture, and restoring pathways
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Returned to major competition at The Great Southern Slam (TGSS)
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Fielded Lightning and Storm (non-official All Stars structure at the time)
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Marked the first major return to national-level play post-COVID
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First international games for the All Stars since 2019, travelling to Portland for Hometown Throwdown
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Re-established internal competition pathways and league structure through the return of Home Teams
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Marked a significant milestone in VRDL's post-pandemic rebuild
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Returned to international stage at the 2024 WFTDA Global Championships
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Finished 4th in the world
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Reinforced VRDL’s position among elite international teams
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Continued growth across community, development, and representative programs
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Building depth and sustainability throughout the league
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Preparing for WFTDA Regionals and Global Championships
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Creating new opportunities for members to participate, compete, and thrive
More than a club
At its core, VRDL is a community.
We exist to create opportunities for people to challenge themselves, grow in confidence, and experience the power of team sport. Whether someone joins to compete at the highest level or simply to be part of something supportive and active, VRDL offers a place to belong.
Our story continues to be written by every skater, official, volunteer, and supporter who steps through the doors.