A close-knit community gathers every week in the city centre to let loose
Rollerdome skate coaches Reilly Taylor, Amy Cottom and Owen Lennon(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
The impact of a leisurely past time can’t be overstated. People are flocking to the Invisible Wind Factory in Liverpool’s Ten Streets area to lace up their boots and hit the rink in a thriving community of roller skaters keeping the past alive.
Rollerdome welcomes anyone with even the smallest interest in skating to visit. There are weekly classes catering to all abilities with music, fun and laughter central to the experience.
Owen Lennon, 43, Amy Cottom, 29, and Reilly Taylor, 42, are the experts on hand to guide new and professional skaters around the rink. All three come from varied backgrounds but became close through their love of skating.
Amy told the ECHO: “There was a big spike in roller skating just after covid and I thought it looked fun. I bought some skates, did it in my kitchen for a while and then I heard about this rink opening.
“I went and that was the first time going to a proper place. It was unreal. You still had to wear masks and it was quite difficult skating. The community was quite small back then so I didn’t know any of these guys.”
Owen told the ECHO: “My wife went to beginner classes and I had a background in rollerblading on ramps and aggressive skating for years. I did it on and off but as you get married, get a full-time job, mortgage and so many injuries, you take a step back.
Rollerdome skate coaches Reilly Taylor, Amy Cottom and Owen Lennon(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
“Around 2021, she said she had classes and that I’d love getting on a quad (four wheel skate). I said ‘I’m not wearing those’ but I did a couple of beginner classes. Listening to the music and seeing the connection with skating again made me fall in love with it.”
Reilly told the ECHO: “I started skating at a gay roller disco in Manchester but I came here on New Year’s Eve nearly two years ago and the first person I saw was Owen. He said ‘alright, mate’ and we went from there.”
Owen and his wife launched an Instagram community page called Invisible Skate Tribe which has flourished with hundreds of followers. The idea was to bring skaters together and connect with others sharing a passion for gliding, speed and dancing.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
The team eventually grew to become “instructors” naturally with skaters gravitating towards them. Owen said: “I found people were asking me how to do things but I was asking Amy how she did things. So I asked the higher ups if I could do lessons on Sundays and I’ve been doing that for that best part of 18 months.”
Owen’s classes are for intermediate skaters who have a grasp on balance and dancing. If you’re a newcomer unsure where to even begin on wheels, Thursday nights led by Amy are the perfect introduction to the community.
Rollerdome takes place every Thursday from 6:30pm with the beginner and improver classes catering to all abilities. An hour later the lights go down and the Rhythm & Roll Skate kicks off allowing people to skate, dance and swirl to their heart’s content.
Rollerdome skaters at the Invisible Wind Factory(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Amy said: “It’s suited for everyone no matter how good you are. You don’t feel like you’re exercising but you are. If you enjoy dancing but you feel a bit awkward you can get on the skates and take away that feeling. It’s so much fun and it’s great to be a part of.”
Reilly is on hand to help Amy and newcomers with whatever assistance they need, juggling Rollerdome with another roller rink in Manchester. Reilly said: “Amy’s class has become so big it’s nice to give back and help people put on their skates or move around the room.”
Despite all the fun and shenanigans that goes on inside the rink, the activity has been truly life changing for the team. Owen said: “I didn’t think it would but it’s totally changed my life. I started this again when I was around 40 and this community just grew. I made this whole new group of friends really quickly which I never expected. It really was life changing for me.”
Rollerdome skaters at the Invisible Wind Factory(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Reilly said: “I used to be a dog groomer before this and it was a midlife crisis for me to be able to skate backwards before I was 40. Coming here and meeting Owen, Amy and all the crew, it actually turned into a career for me. It really has had a life changing impact. Absolutely life changing.”
Skating isn’t confined to the Invisible Wind Factory with skates held on Pier Head and even internationally with a special event happening in Barcelona this weekend with the entire group invited.
Skaters can come and go from the community as they please with years in between but they’re always welcomed back with open arms. Owen said: “The vibe, the energy, the music and the people is everything. That’s one thing people always say about the Liverpool group – how they always see us in videos doing group stuff. There’s a real connection.”
Rollerdome skaters at the Invisible Wind Factory(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Don’t worry about falling over, taking longer than you’d hope to grasp the skates or what other people will think – you’re in very good hands. Amy said: “We fall over every week. If you’re not falling over you’re not learning. We’ve been doing it for years and years and if you’re not pushing yourself you’re not going to fall over.
“We teach people everything from how to fall over safely which is what we do in beginner classes. I think it’s mind over matter. It’s always going to hurt less than you think it’s going to hurt and everyone will be right behind you when you get back up.”