A Little History Lesson

On July 4, 2007, a few women in southern New Hampshire tossed around the idea of starting a roller derby league. The next morning after the fireworks had finished and the smoke had cleared, they set about making it happen. News spread quickly and just a few months later, they had enough interest to start renting practice space and skating a few times a week.

The Skate Free or Die! All Stars, NHRD's first team, made their public debut just over a year after the league was formed. In August 2008 the team travelled to Providence, RI for a scrimmage and followed up with their first home game at Manchester’s JFK Coliseum.

2009 brought NHRD's first full season, including four dates at JFK, the league's beloved home venue. The all-stars racked up some miles, taking on teams in Albany, Montreal, Providence, New Jersey, and Delaware. The team suffered some defeats on the road but managed to shine at JFK, finishing the season undefeated on their home track. Getting accepted into the WFTDA Apprentice program in September 2009 was another inspiring milestone for the members of NHRD. In June 2010, NHRD was among the first set of leagues to graduate from the WFTDA apprentice program. NHRD is now New Hampshire's first and only WFTDA league.

Today, NHRD continues to grow and thrive, recruiting new skaters, refs and volunteers. We push ourselves to become better skaters, better athletes, and better people through derby.