ABOUT US
The power and joy of roller skating should be available to everybody.
We are on a mission to make roller skating as accessible as possible so more people can experience the benefits of roller skating - a feeling of connection, increased confidence, increased physical activity and mental wellbeing, to name a few. Roller Girl Gang have had the privilege of seeing thousands of folks start their roller skate journey and go on to live more fulfilled lives. Yes, really!
Since the lockdowns of 2020 when we saw interest in roller skating go ka-boom across the world, we have become a trusted independent source of advice for our community. As a community interest company, we are only interested in supporting the overall growth of the community. More skaters means more skating!
We are an award-winning small business, led by Melissa Blackwood, who opened the Corn Exchange shop in October 2020 - only to be locked down again the following week. We have always been incredibly choosy about our stock - if we don't love it, we don't sell it. We also want you to be absolutely certain you are selecting the best product for you, so there are a wealth of blog posts to help you make a decision. Our friendly shop gang offer a safe space for all. We just want to remind keen skate visitors to come to the Corn Exchange wearing their regular shoes, to help us maintain positive relationships with other traders in the shopping centre. (Nothing like a skater whipping round a corner to panic a toddler or knock over a display - please don't jeopardise our shop!)
Our classes follow a drop-in structure. They are designed to fit around modern life, so just come along when you can. We offer all levels from absolute beginner through intermediate and advanced skills training, across a variety of styles. We are passionate roller skaters who all learned to roller skate as adults, so we really do understand you. We want to empower our community to learn the most effective skate techniques so you really feel able to skate everywhere. We look forward to warmly welcoming you soon.
Roller Girl Gang's values are:
• To help people find their authentic selves through roller skating.
• To find more joy.
• To grow by developing skills in both mind and body.
Roller Girl Gang’s Vision is: To empower people to roller skate into their most joyful life.
Roller Girl Gang’s Mission is: Our mission is to create a welcoming and friendly atmosphere where all skaters can come to shop, learn and share their love of roller skating with others. We strive to be a valuable resource and safe space for the roller skating community; to contribute to its growth and success.
RGG in the Media
If you would like our comment or opinion about the world of roller skating, please get in touch. skate@rollergirlgang.co.uk
About our Team
Our Skate Coaches
Our instructor team have worked and trained together since 2020 to create a safe space for you to try out roller skating. We understand the psychology of what is stopping you from making progress, and are doing our best to remove those barriers. If you want to learn to roller skate, as long as you are determined, we will help you!
We have developed a progression of roller skate skills and know how to break down skills to make them accessible to you as well as providing the feedback you need to move forward.
We understand that many adults have had some experience of roller skating as a child, and for many, it was self-taught. We would love to help you re-discover your joy for roller skating, as well as support you to develop confidence with skills you didn’t know you had.
Are you worried you’ll be the only adult learner there? Our beginner class for adults is for you.
Worried that you won’t know anyone else? Drop into the shop ahead of time to say hi, or check our website for mini bios of the team.
Don’t have your own kit? We can hire you some of our skates and protective equipment.
Once you’re ready to move on to the Beyond Beginner session, no doubt you’ll be asking if you’re ready or not. That’s up to you - if you’re ready to be pushed out of your comfort zone then you’re ready!
Our Shop Gang
Our shop gang are here to spread joy, by helping our customers find the best skates for them.
It is a truly magical moment to find that pair of roller skates that hug your foot just as you dreamed. In a supportive boot, you will be able to skate your best.
They know different skates suit different people, so will work with you to find products within your budget or make recommendations based on experience.
Our shop is small, but we are proud of every item within it, as we work with suppliers we love to stock products we know will last.
We have tried and tested lots of products to discover what we love - you can read more on our blog. We continue to seek out new products and suppliers who have the same values of authenticity and joy as we do. We are here to do the right thing, not to be right.
Our Skate Marshalls
Our marshall team are here to support the wellbeing and smooth running of our sessions.
They are all volunteers with varied skate experience, from covering miles outdoors to roller derby and everything in between. The vast majority of our marshall team learned to roller skate as adults, so understand how difficult starting an activity like roller skating can be as an adult.
Coming to a session on your own? Let our marshall team know that you’d love to be introduced to other skaters at the session, and we will be delighted to get you settled in.
You’ll easily spot our marshall team, as they wear purple t-shirts with ‘skate marshall’ on the back.
