An uplifting underdog story has unfolded for a group of young athletes as the Borderland Beasts, a roller derby team from Stamford, made history by clinching a bronze medal at the Junior Roller Derby World Cup in Australia. This exhilarating event saw 13 members from the team represent the UK among a squad of 17, along with their head coach Jonathan Emery.
It’s a remarkable turn of events for the Borderland Beasts. Just nine years ago, they found themselves at the bottom of the rankings, finishing dead last. Fast-forward to the present day, and they have transformed into a formidable force in the sport. With players aged 15 to 18, most hailing from Bourne and Stamford, the team excelled throughout the tournament. They navigated through the group stages and performed admirably in a quarter-final knockout match, setting the stage for their impressive run.
Despite facing defeat in the semi-finals, the Borderland Beasts regrouped and faced the Australian team in a tense bronze medal match. The match concluded with a score of 267-208 in favor of the UK team, marking a monumental achievement for the players who’ve dedicated themselves to their sport.
Coach Jonathan Emery expressed the emotion of the moment, stating, “It was very emotional and there were tears, but in a good way, because of how far we had come and everything that had gone to plan.” Reflecting on their journey, Emery noted, “We came last in 2018, we came sixth in 2020, came fifth in France in 2023, and now we’ve managed to get up to bronze medal.” His pride in the team’s progress is palpable as he acknowledges the obstacles they have overcome in their roller derby journey.
In the championship match, the United States emerged victorious against France, further establishing their standing as the favorites in the sport. Emery noted that while there is a gap to close before reaching the level of powerhouses like the US and France, the team is determined to continue improving and is hopeful for a robust future.
Notably, the UK team faced challenges beyond the competition itself. With no funding available, the players relied heavily on the generosity of parents, sponsors, and donors to support their long trek to Australia. Emery highlighted the disparities in support systems, saying, “America has a massive structure already. In the UK, I have eight junior teams across the country to get my players from, but they probably have 400.”
This lack of funding and infrastructure has not discouraged the Borderland Beasts. Emery shared their strategic approach during the tournament, stating, “We always knew that we were never going to compete with France and America, so we didn’t play to win those games. We had a game plan to beat Australia, Canada and Belgium, who we studied heavily, and we did just that.” The team’s focused preparation paid off, culminating in their historic win.
Emery also pointed out the broader context of roller derby in the UK, noting, “All sport in France at that level is funded, so they don’t have to pay for anything. They’re just more established than us, but hopefully, we’ll get there. It just takes time.” His commitment to nurturing the sport is clear as he aims to build a stronger foundation for future generations of roller derby athletes.
Looking ahead, Jonathan sees a beacon of opportunity with a home World Cup planned for 2027, which could play a critical role in promoting roller derby in the UK and allowing the team to continue their trajectory of success. “We’ve got a chance to see if we can improve again and showcase roller derby to the world,” he stated optimistically.
Before reaching that international stage, the Borderland Beasts are focused on defending their UK title. The team is gearing up for the Five Nations final on September 14, where they will face the Edinburgh-based Demonburgh, last year’s runners-up. The team’s commitment and drive not only promise an exciting match but also a bright future for roller derby in the UK.
