A Decade in the Making
Team Australia Juniors has come a long way since competing in the very first JRDA World Cup in 2015. Held in Kent, Washington, that inaugural event featured just four teams: USA East, USA West, Canada, and Australia. Even then, the dream was clear, to see the event grow and eventually make its way to Australian shores.
Global Growth and Rising Dreams
By 2018, the second World Cup in Philadelphia expanded to include new teams from Great Britain and Europe. Once again, Australia fielded a strong open team. It was during this event that the goal of hosting the World Cup in Australia started to feel within reach.
In 2020, Australia was preparing to send a team to the third World Cup in Regina, Canada. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled due to COVID-19. Despite the setback, the drive to compete, and host, only grew stronger.
Post-Pandemic Progress
After the pandemic, efforts focused on a safe and structured return to junior roller derby. To support this growth and align with international standards, JRDA Australia (JRDA AUS) was formed. Its mission: to advocate for Australian junior skaters and ensure their strong representation on the global stage.
A Breakthrough in France
The 2023 World Cup in Valence, France, was a landmark event. It was the first time the tournament was held outside the U.S., and Team Australia returned with an open team that proudly earned its first-ever medal, bronze.
That event also marked the expansion of the competition, with new teams from New Zealand, Denmark, and the introduction of Team World, plus the addition of both open and female divisions.
Brisbane 2025: A Proud Announcement
It was in Valence that the official announcement was made: Brisbane, Australia would host the next JRDA World Cup in 2025. Joined on stage by team captains Heatseeker and Szegedi, the Australian contingent received the news with pride, realizing a long-standing dream.
A Historic Milestone
The 2025 JRDA World Cup will not only be the first held in Australia, it will also celebrate the event’s 10-year anniversary. For the local roller derby community, it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase talent on home soil.
From July 26-28, 2025, teams from around the world, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Mexico, New Zealand, Sweden, and the USA will gather in Brisbane. Competing across two divisions and two tracks, they’ll bring elite junior roller derby to the global stage.
In Collaboration with Skate Victoria
JRDA AUS is proud to be affiliated with Skate Victoria, whose continued support has been essential in helping bring the 2025 World Cup to life and in nurturing junior roller derby across the country.
.
.
.
