A Sheffield roller derby star has been selected for the England squad for the 2026 World Cup in Orléans, France. 

Gavin Foster, 33, represents ‘The Inhuman League’, one of three roller derby teams in Sheffield, and has vowed to ‘make his family proud’ on the biggest stage. 

Foster, who plays under the nickname ‘Gavisgone’, said: “It is quite humbling to think that a team values me in that way. It is really rewarding to play at an international level. 

“I find it hard to describe how proud I feel when people think of me in that way.” 

Foster has been playing roller sports for over 25 years, however only started playing roller derby specifically in 2018 following the recommendation of his now fiancée, Kelly. After a year on the fringes of the England squad, he was ‘delighted’ to receive the call-up as a ‘reward of hard work’. 

Roller derby is a family affair for Gavin Foster, whose step-daughter Freya, aged 16, is soon to attend a trial for the junior Team GB. 

The 2026 World Cup is taking place in Orléans from 30th April-3rd May. England are among the favourites to win the tournament, with France and Team USA their two fiercest competitors.

The England squad has 20 players of all genders, and holds strong values of inclusion. 

The England Roller Derby team released a statement in January, they said: “As a National Team representing England, we want to be completely clear… The flag we skate under and represent belongs to everyone. 

“True pride in our country can be shown with sportsmanship, inclusion, and how we choose to treat people on and off track.” 

The Inhuman League play in the top tier of national roller derby, and face opposition from all over the country from Kent to Newcastle. They share in the strong principles of the England team. 

Foster said: “We’re pretty big on inclusivity with how we welcome in members, even though it’s recognised as MRDA (Men’s Roller Derby Association), it is actually open to any gender. 

“As long as people are safe and good athletic skaters they are welcome.” 

The Inhuman League train at Forge Valley School, and are always open to those wishing to try their hand at Roller Derby. They offer your first session for free, you can get in touch with them here: The Inhuman League | Facebook

Gavin Foster is raising money to get himself to the World Cup: Fundraiser by Gavin Foster : Help me raise funds to get to the Roller Derby World Cup!