New Plymouth Roller Sports Club
Roller sports club
Since its origins in 1954 the Roller Sports Club in New Plymouth has grown in membership and reputation each year. Particularly with the introduction of inline hockey in 1995, and the move to start a school league; "We started with 13 local schools, then our popularity just skyrocketed until we had 44 teams within the next school term”, Krystyna Beardman, administrator for the New Plymouth Roller Sports Club and Chairperson for the Ravens Inline Hockey committee, shared with us.
The New Plymouth regional roller rink moved to its current location from Ngamotu in 1963, where it started life as a smaller rink and large outdoor skating area. The popularity of roller sports grew over the years, creating a demand for major facilities improvements, which led to the development of the new rink in 2001. This facility is the only place in New Zealand to feature two indoor rinks in the same venue, giving unprecedented access and opportunity for the region to host competitions, and encourage local skaters to develop.
“Even though we are still considered a minor or emerging sport in New Zealand, we have made significant contribution to the local economy as the facility has attracted competitors and spectators for international, national and regional events. We have hosted qualifiers here for inline hockey teams from China, Singapore, South Africa, Australia, Brazil and Hawaii for different international events. The club offers four skating codes, inline hockey, rink hockey, artistic/figure skating and roller derby. The TSB Community Trust also acknowledges New Zealand representation for those that bank with TSB. Skater members are very fortunate to have this local funding support.”
The facility sees around 10,000 users annually pass through the doors; either through public skate sessions, club membership or through local school and social group use. “The main focus of the venue is to teach people to skate. The club hosts learn to skate sessions during school terms on Saturday mornings and weekly open sessions for all ages on Friday nights. One of the biggest growth areas we’ve seen over the last few years is adults joining the club, parents bringing their kids down to learn to skate, and then deciding to join in themselves, which is really great to see.”
The $50,000 capital funding that the New Plymouth Roller Sports Club received from TSB Community Trust last year was used to repair damaged parts of the roof, and to update all the stadium lighting within the facility to replace the old gas lamps with more eco-friendly and sustainable LED lighting.
“As a non-profit charity organisation run by volunteers, it just wouldn’t be possible for us to fund these kinds of major repairs or improvements to support the ongoing operation of the roller skating facility without external help.”
“The impact of this TSB Community Trust grant has enabled the club to reduce its operating energy cost and to continue to share their facility to the whole community, encouraging children and families to get active together. The club are very grateful for the support received.”