Established nine years ago, the Brandywine Roller Derby League was the first and only all-women’s flat-track league in the nation, and it now boasts internationally ranked teams, writes Lora Bilton Englehart for Main Line Today.

Among the competing teams are the Brawlers and the Belligerents. The latter are BRD’s travel team and are ranked 79th out of 430 teams globally. They compete against other teams from the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. The team usually plays games that are up to a six-hour, one-way driving distance from its home base at the Chester County Sports Arena in Downingtown.

However, in early May, the Belligerents will also travel to Ontario, Canada, to compete in Tri-City Roller Derby’s “Put Up Your Toques” tournament. They will also be at the International WFTDA Championship in Montreal in November.

All BRD members promote the mission that all women – regardless of their age, race, size, sexual orientation, or athletic ability – can become role models and leaders.

The teams hold informational meetings through the year to attract new members.

“It will change your life,” said Randi “Kick Ash” Iacavino. “It’s a great confidence-builder, and the nicknames are the best.”

Read more about the Brandywine Roller Derby League in Main Line Today here.

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