A roller derby team has made history with a record-breaking rise through the ranks.
Swindon-based Wiltshire Roller Derby's A Team is the first in 5 Nations Roller Derby (5NRD) history to climb from Tier 5 to win the Tier 1 Premier Championship.
The victory was secured on Sunday, July 19, 2026, capping a 10-year journey that saw the team steadily progress each season.
Their first campaign at the Premier level ended with a clean sweep, winning every fixture and securing the title in dominant fashion.
Nathan Pithers (Firefly), head coach at Wiltshire Roller Derby, said: "We're the only team to have started in Tier 5 and climbed through every tier to become 5 Nations Tier 1 champions.
"To achieve that in our very first Tier 1 season, while finishing with a perfect record, is something truly special.
"I couldn't be prouder of this team and everyone who has contributed to the club over the last decade. This achievement belongs to all of them."
Founded in 2012, Wiltshire Roller Derby is a flat-track roller derby league open to all genders and experience levels.
The league fields three teams: the A Team, a Development Team, and a Mixed Gender team.
Roller derby is a full-contact sport played on quad skates around an oval track, with points scored by a designated skater as they pass members of the opposing team.
The club's journey through the tiers is as follows:
- 2016: Tier 5 Local – Silver
- 2017: Tier 4 East – Gold
- 2018: Tier 3 South – Silver
- 2018: Tier 3 Playoffs – Bronze
- 2019: Tier 2 West – Silver
- 2019: Tier 2 Playoffs – Gold
- 2023: Tier 3 South – Silver
- 2023: Tier 3 Playoffs – Silver
- 2024: Tier 2 North – Bronze
- 2025: Tier 2 South – Silver
- 2025: Tier 2 Playoffs – Gold
- 2026: Tier 1 Premier – Gold
Kate Prince (Wreckless), A Team captain, said: "It is an absolute honour to captain this incredible team.
"We are committed, focused, and have complete trust in one another, both on and off the track."
The club is currently recruiting new members, including skaters and officials of all backgrounds and abilities, and is also seeking sponsorship for the 2027 season.
Those interested can find more information at wiltshirerollerderby.co.uk.
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