MODESTO -- If your kid likes being active but doesn't like traditional sports and doesn't mind a few bumps and bruises, you might consider signing him or her up for roller derby. That is, if you can handle it.
"My heart jumps across my chest," is how Modesto resident Eleanor Chase describes what it feels like when her 16-year-old daughter, Sydney, takes a spill as a member of the Mo-Town Misfits, Modesto's coed roller derby team for ages 5 to 17.
The Misfits is recruiting members and held an exhibition bout, informational session and open practice Sunday at its practice facility, a Seventh Street warehouse.
The Misfits, which is starting its second season, is the junior team of the Modesto-based SINtral Valley Derby Girls, which was started in August 2008.
Members of the SINtral Valley Derby Girls were on hand Sunday, coaching the younger skaters and sharing their skating expertise.
There are six bouts on the Misfits schedule this season, which runs from March through November.
The first one will be March 4 in Visalia against the Visalia Vandals, said Chase, who is one of the team's parent volunteers.
Chase said roller derby has been a boon for her daughter, whose roller derby name is Insydious.
"She's been one of those kids who doesn't fit into traditional sports," Chase said. "And she enjoys this one. It's great exercise and an opportunity to get some of her frustrations out without hurting anyone."
Misfit members pay a monthly $20 membership fee and an annual $35 fee to a youth roller derby association. They must provide their own equipment.
For more information about theteam or about joining, contact boppin76@yahoo.com or go to www.sinvdg.com.
Bee staff writer Kevin Valine canbe reached at kvaline@modbee.comor (209) 578-2316.
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