Swindon-based Wiltshire Roller Derby makes history

Wiltshire Roller Derby (WRD) is celebrating a landmark achievement after its A Team became the first in 5 Nations Roller Derby (5NRD) history to progress from Tier 5 to winning the Tier 1 Premier Championship.

WRD is a flat track roller derby League based in Swindon. 

Founded in 2012, the league provides training and opportunities for skaters, officials and volunteers of all experience levels and genders, and there are three Wiltshire teams, a Mixed Gender team, A-Team and Development Team. 

Nathan Pithers (Firefly), Head Coach of Wiltshire Roller Derby, said: "We're the only team to have started in Tier 5 and climbed through every tier to become 5 Nations Tier 1 champions. 

"To achieve that in our very first Tier 1 season, while finishing with a perfect record, is something truly special. I couldn't be prouder of this team and everyone who has contributed to the club over the last decade. 

"This achievement belongs to all of them."

Kate Prince (Wreckless), A Team Captain, said: "It is an absolute honour to captain this incredible team. We are committed, focused, and have complete trust in one another, both on and off the track. A huge part of our success is down to our exceptional bench team, including Firefly and Trainwreck, whose strategictactics give us a really competitive edge. 

"We are so excited to see what we can achieve next.”

Roller Derby is a full contact sport played on quad roller skates around an oval track. Games are won by points accumulation from a designated point scorer passing opponents, combined with tactical offense and defense, preventing the opposing team from gathering points.

Their A Team’s victory marks the culmination of a 10-year journey. From humble beginnings in Tier 5, Wiltshire Roller Derby has steadily climbed through the ranks of British roller derby, improving year after year. 

In their first-ever season competing in Tier 1 Premier, the Team completed an outstanding campaign by winning every game and securing the championship title.

Their record is: 

- 2016 – Tier 5 Local: Silver Medal (2nd Place)
- 2017 – Tier 4 East: Gold Medal (1st Place)
- 2018 – Tier 3 South: Silver Medal (2nd Place)
- 2018 – Tier 3 Playoffs: Bronze Medal (3rd Place)
- 2019 – Tier 2 West: Silver Medal (2nd Place)
- 2019 – Tier 2 Playoffs: Gold Medal (1st Place)
- 2020-2022 – Competition paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2023 – Tier 3 South: Silver Medal (2nd Place)
- 2023 – Tier 3 Playoffs: Silver Medal (2nd Place)
- 2024 – Tier 2 North: Bronze Medal (3rd Place)
- 2025 – Tier 2 South: Silver Medal (2nd Place)
- 2025 – Tier 2 Playoffs: Gold Medal (1st Place)
- 2026 – Tier 1 Premier: Gold Medal (1st Place)

WRD is grateful to every person who has been involved since the club was formed, including past and present skaters, coaches, officials, volunteers, supporters, and members of its wider roller derby community. 

The team is particularly proud that several skaters have been part of the journey from the early years through to the championship-winning season, and are particularly excited to celebrate the team's 15th anniversary in March 2027.

While the A Team is celebrating this achievement, the Team remains committed to its ambition of competing at the highest level of the sport and are looking forward to international games later in the year. 

Their Development Team and OTA Team (Open-To-All, mixed gender) are preparing for upcoming games later in the year. The OTA Team, having placed second in their 5NRD division, are looking forward to an opportunity at promotion to Tier 2 at playoffs later this year.

Wiltshire Roller Derby is currently recruiting new members and welcomes anyone interested in learning how to skate or officiate. 

A spokesperson said: "Whether you are an experienced skater or have never put on a pair of roller skates before, the club provides a supportive environment for people of all backgrounds and abilities to get involved with weekly Skate Academy Sessions."

Those interested in joining can find more information through Wiltshire Roller Derby's social media channels and website.

Wiltshire Roller Derby is also seeking sponsorship partners to support its athletes, teams, and community programmes for the 2027 season. Businesses interested in partnering with one of the UK's most successful roller derby clubs are encouraged to get in touch to discuss sponsorship opportunities.

For membership enquiries, events and community activities or further information, people can get in touch via

- [email protected]
- Facebook: @WiltshireRollerDerby
- Instagram: @WiltshireRollerDerby
- TikTok: @WiltshireRollerDerby
- wiltshirerollerderby.co.uk