Local derby team accepted by national organization

PALMER — A local women’s roller derby team has joined forces with a national federation for the sport.

The Valley-based Denali Destroyer Dolls have been accepted as an apprentice affiliate by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, according to a press release issued by the Dolls Saturday.

The WFTDA is a governing body for women’s amateur flat track roller derby, and as an apprentice program, the Dolls will have access to many of the resources and benefits provided by the WFTDA. Apprentice programs are considered pre-members and are matched with veteran members to help apprentice teams strive for full membership.

There are more than 100 all-female, skater-owned-and-operated leagues affiliated with WFTDA nationwide, according to the press release. The Dolls are one of a growing number of roller derby teams in Alaska, and host home bouts at the MTA Events Center in Palmer. The Dolls’ next scheduled bout is Nov. 17. The team also has bouts slated for Jan. 12, Feb. 23 and April 20, 2013, in Palmer.

The WFTDA is a sanctioning body for games, and also hosts tournaments, sets safety standards and provides insurance to athletes and leagues.

There are currently 138 member leagues and 75 apprentice leagues affiliated with WFTDA, according to the release.

For more on the Dolls, visit denalidestroyers.com.