270 squad
Be part of the programme.
Our Squads are where some of our best youth climbers engage in regular development sessions to fine-tune their skills and techniques, and (if they want) work towards representing 270 Climbing at regional and national events and competitions around the country.
It takes a certain level of dedication to join Squad, but more important than this is having a real passion for climbing and the desire to get better at it.
Our Squad is a programme for young climbers who are passionate about the sport and want to develop their skills in a supportive, social and fun environment. Our programme supports a wide range of goals, whether your child climbs for pure enjoyment or is more focussed on competitions or progressing to outdoor climbing, we provide a positive space for them to thrive.
We run three different squad levels across two climbing disciplines:
Bouldering
Sport Climbing (Lead)
Academy
A welcoming environment where young climbers can develop foundational skills in either bouldering or roped climbing.
Sessions are fun, encouraging, and guided by our experienced coaches.
Development
For climbers ready to take the next step.
We focus on all-round skill development – covering bouldering and sport climbing – with emphasis on movement, mindset, and technique. It’s a place where we push potential while keeping the joy of climbing.
Performance
For climbers with advanced skills and high ambitions- whether they’re already competing at a national level, tackling tough outdoor projects, or aiming to join GB Climbing squads.
The programme is structured and led by our Head Coach, with targeted training and a competitive focus.
We welcome young people with a solid base level of climbing experience. We find most children and young people join our squads through the youth NICAS/NIBAS climbing schemes, awhile a number of others, join up after climbing independently and building up experience with friends and family. If you’re unsure whether your child is ready, just reach out! We hold assessments and trials where our coaches can evaluate whether it’s the right time to join, and if so, we then place your child in the squad that best matches their skill level and aspirations.
THE SESSIONS
Squad sessions are led by our dedicated team of experienced coaches with the programme overseen by our Head of Coaching and Performance, Liz Lawton.
Sessions for each of the levels run on different evenings and at various times during the week, speak to us about specific times. Sessions vary in length, (see below) with some climbers choose to attend two sessions per week, one for each discipline.
Academy 1 hour 30mins
Development 2 hours 30mins
Performance 2 hours 30mins
COST & BENEFITS
The costs depends on how many sessions a child attends and which squad they join, but they start from around £75 per month. For detailed pricing information please get in touch.
All squad memberships come with a range of benefits, including unlimited access to the respective squad discipline (so boulder squad can access bouldering, while climbing squad members can access both), either way, squad members can climb outside of their scheduled sessions!
Unlimited bouldering and/or climbing entry
Fast-track access
Free shoe
& kit hire
one free weekly guest pass
(guests first visit only)
one
free drink from cafe bar on your birthday
Interested in joining?
Great! We hold trials for new potential Academy and Development squad members twice a year – towards the end of the year and another assessment mid-year.
To find out about availability and details on the next opportunity to try out, please contact us on squad@270climbing.com or click on the button below
SQUAD FAQS
What are the trials?
Assessment trials are the main direct entry route into our squads. They take placetwice a year and give young climbers the opportunity to showcase their skills in lead climbing, bouldering, or both. Around half of entrants usually opt to be assessed in both disciplines but you are more than welcome to stick to just the one. The trials are set up in a competition-style format, featuring climbs of regional and national standard.
What‘s expected of squad members?
To help reinforce the skills taught, we ask all Academy and Development squad members to climb a minimum of twice per week. This can either be one coached session and one independent session, or two coached sessions. Performance squad members are expected to climb at least three times per week. This can be a mix of coached and independent sessions.
Can my child do both NICAS and Squad?
Yes. Some squad members continue to work through the NICAS scheme as complimentary sessions. While most of the NICAS Level 5 syllabus is covered in the squad programme, we cannot guarantee a timeline for completion, as NICAS is not the primary focus of squad sessions.
Does my child have to compete?
There is no requirement or expectation to compete at Academy or Development level, though we do see great value in the experience. Performance squad members are expected to compete as part of their progression.
How do I know which competitions to enter?
If your child is interested in competing, we’re happy to recommend suitable entrylevel competitions.