Grass roots sport gets a boost from two local companies

Hereford Roller Girls have announced a new sponsorship deal with two local businesses, Wye Valley Brewery and Wye Valley Brewery's flagship pub The Barrels.

Skaters from the club are celebrating after securing the sponsorship, which has helped the team's 2013 season get off to a great start.

Hereford Roller Girls is the first, and only, roller derby team in Herefordshire. They compete regularly against other teams from the UK, and the sponsorship will be used to buy much needed new uniforms.
 
Vernon Amor, managing director of Wye Valley Brewery could see potential in this local team, he commented: "Roller Derby looks like a lot of hard work but also a lot of fun, just like running a brewery! We pride ourselves in supporting local community based activities. Roller Derby is a feisty, fast-paced and exciting alternative sport, and we love the passion the Hereford Roller Girls have for Roller Derby."

Hereford Roller Girls formed in 2011 with a handful of skaters, and has now grown to a full team. This group of women, many of whom had never skated before, now practice three evenings a week. Skaters and volunteers have spent the last two years raising funds for the club, securing sponsorship from two businesses is a big boost to the team's morale. Hereford Roller Girl's Team Captain Dee Montague commented. "The sponsorship means a lot to the skaters, as it really shows that local businesses believe in what we do and want us to succeed."

The Barrels is Wye Valley Brewery's flagship pub, skater Kim Wild works for the pub and it was her enthusiasm for the sport that first interested the manager Philip Pryce. The team began to use the Barrels after their games and were delighted with the warm welcome shown by Philip and his team. The relationship between the organisations grew, and the pub wanted to join Wye Valley Brewery to become a sponsor. Philip commented: "It just seemed the natural thing to do to help with sponsorship."

For more information about Hereford Roller Girls, including their upcoming season and recruitment opportunities, visit www.herefordrollergirls.co.uk