Auld Reekie Roller Derby Celebrates Homecoming at Meadowbank Stadium
One of Europe's premier roller derby teams, Auld Reekie Roller Derby (ARRD), has expressed immense excitement over its return to play at the historic Meadowbank Sports Centre in Edinburgh. This marks the first time in nearly a decade that the team will compete at its former home venue, signaling a significant moment for the sport's revival in Scotland.
Historic Venue Hosts International Tournament
ARRD is set to host an international tournament named Homecoming 2026 on February 21 and 22, featuring teams from Madrid, Marseilles, and London. The event is described as more than just a competition; it represents a return to the team's roots and a chance to write a new chapter in the very location where their story began. The fixtures will be the first held at Meadowbank since the old sports centre was demolished and rebuilt, ending a long period where the team played home matches in Dalkeith, which posed challenges for hosting high-profile international games due to its distance from the city centre.
Team Rankings and Sport Overview
Auld Reekie Roller Derby's A-team holds impressive rankings, standing as number one in Scotland, fifth in the United Kingdom, and 21st in Europe. Roller derby is a fast-paced contact team sport played indoors on an oval track, involving two teams of five skaters. Each team has a "jammer" who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. ARRD emphasizes inclusivity, welcoming any individual of a marginalized gender, including women and trans people, highlighting the sport's commitment to diversity and athleticism.
Nostalgia and Excitement Among Players and Coaches
Leanne Little, head coach for both ARRD and Team Scotland, who helped found the team in 2008 and played for 16 years, shared that the return to Meadowbank has sparked nostalgia and excitement. She recalled past games at the venue, including British championship matches and trophy wins, which drew huge crowds due to the central location and quality facilities. Little expressed hope for similar vibrant scenes at the upcoming tournament, noting that the venue had a loyal audience that strongly associated with the team.
Sasha de Buyl, co-captain of the ARRD A-team, echoed these sentiments, describing the team's disappointment when the sports centre closed. They emphasized that Meadowbank had been the home game venue since the league's inception almost 20 years ago, making the return a thrilling moment after nearly eight years away.
Recovery from Pandemic and Sport Resurgence
The roller derby community in Scotland faced significant challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to an 18-month shutdown of the sport. This period saw a decline from 27 clubs to just 10, with many merging or disbanding, and hundreds of players leaving the sport. However, since undergoing a phased return, there is a noticeable resurgence. Leanne Little noted that the pandemic allowed clubs to reassess their priorities, leading to more considered training programs, such as ARRD's structured schedule for three teams.
Zoe Usher, co-captain of the ARRD C-team, who has been skating for about four years, observed a real sense of growth and rebuilding post-pandemic. She highlighted the contrast between pre-Covid conditions and the current upward trajectory, indicating that things are steadily coming back and expanding within the sport.
Looking Ahead to Homecoming 2026
The Homecoming 2026 tournament not only celebrates ARRD's return to Meadowbank but also underscores the broader revival of roller derby in Scotland. With international teams participating, the event promises to showcase the sport's speed, strategy, and athleticism while fostering community and competition. As ARRD continues to build on its legacy, this homecoming marks a pivotal step in reconnecting with fans and advancing the sport's future in Edinburgh and beyond.
