A couple, who both compete in a Sheffield roller derby team, took part in the Men’s World Cup last weekend.
Anthony Graham, who played for England and Zoe Graham, for Ireland, are both part of the Inhuman League in Sheffield, spent the week competing in France.
England came third in the competition and despite Ireland not reaching past the group stages Zoe, from Westhouses in Derbyshire, said: “It was absolutely amazing.
“We have never been to a World Cup before, not even as a spectator.”
Anthony and Zoe both play in The Inhuman League competing in the British Championships and Anthony also coaches Zoe’s women’s team, Sheffield Steel Roller Derby.
Zoe said: “It is really nice to do something separately but it was scary because we’ve always been in derby together.”
Both said it was “extremely difficult” to get into the squads. There were 150 applicants for the England squad.
Anthony believed that what got him a place in the charter was his leadership and communication skills as well as his understanding of the game.
The pair set up a GoFundMe page to help with the costs of flights and accommodation and raised £800.
The name of the World Cup is going to be changed going forward to be more reflective of the people that play, as people of all genders play in the sport.
Zoe said: “This is a really positive step forward.
“Its always been inclusive and changing the name will really drive that forward.”
Each country in the World Cup consists of 20 players but only 15 play in any one game.
Both Anthony and Zoe congratulated their team on being “very committed and focused” throughout.
The Ireland team were spread across Ireland and England which made training difficult but Zoe said they still gelled together.
She said: “They were incredible.
“Everyone had the same mindset and goals and most of us had never skated together before.”
They both hope to make it into their squads for the next World Cup in two years’ time.
Both have their eyes set on finishing their club level games, in the next couple of months. Anthony said his focus is on the European Championships in November whereas Zoe’s is the club play offs in November.