Our Squads are where some of our best youth climbers engage in regular development sessions to fine-tune their skills and techniques, and ultimately (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 want to develop and get better at it!
Squad Trials – Sunday 1st December
Our Squad programme has evolved in recent years, mainly thanks to the amazing progress and efforts of our athletes continuing to develop – and our incredible coaches of course! For 2025 we will be modifying our current Squad set up into three levels…
Academy
This is for those looking to further their climbing ability with the support of a coach in a social and fun environment. For those aged 7+ (split by groups for age and stage). Sessions take place after school on weekdays and at weekends. Includes one 1.5 hour session per week (can choose to attend multiple per week) Entry point: coach recommendation or can choose to attend benchmarking. Recommended that they have been climbing for at least six months in their chosen discipline. Not required to compete. Starting at £70 per month and includes membership.
Development
This is designed to rapidly develop climbing skills through structured training sessions. Includes one 2.5 hour session per week for those aged 12*-17 (starting at 6.30pm) OR one 1.5 hour session per week for those aged 7-12 (after school). You are able to double up and attend two times per week. This squad has a yearly benchmarking event. Extras from the performance pathway can be added. Entry point: attend benchmarking. For those climbing at regional standard and above. They may have another sport. It is recommended that they have been climbing for at least 18 months before joining this pathway. Sessions are based on the developmental milestones of the long term athlete development matrix [CEC- ‘sport for life’- sport climbing long term athlete development]. Required to compete in at least one regional competition per year. This squad has re-selection every year. Starting at £70 per month (1.5 hr session per week) and £80 per month (2.5hr session per week) this includes membership.
*Younger children may be accepted based on current development must be agreed with one of our coaches.
Performance
Designed for those at the top of their game. Individualised training programmes overseen by our head of coaching and performance. Youth Category C to Senior (2025 age groups). For those climbing at least three times per week. This programme includes a three hour session per week- independent warming up before the session, physical profiling, individual training programme with quarterly update, strength and conditioning and six monthly benchmarking plus centre membership. You are able to double up and attend two sessions per week or use additional 1:1 session options. Entry point: by application and results from benchmarking. For those climbing at national standard and above. This squad will be re-selected every six months, due to the high training load it is recommended that they have been climbing for at least two years and this is their focus sport. Required to compete nationally in at least one championship and one nations cup per year. Sessions start at 6.30pm on weekdays, on non-consecutive days. Starting at £100 per month, packages vary depending on your needs.
You must be competent in your selected discipline e.g. lead climbers must also be able to lead belay.
Please note there is a reduction in cost if you join two squad sessions per week.
If you have any questions at all please email us on squad@270climbing.com
Squad Trials Benchmarking Event
Please pre-register for our Squad Trials here: https://forms.gle/83SGsMwG9TcSnv2W7
If you are applying for academy and development squads you will complete five boulder problems with a format of five minutes on, five minutes off. You will not be able to view the blocs beforehand. Performance applicants will complete two sets of five blocs in the same format, you will have around an hour break between sets. Please bring food and warm layers for the break. The benchmarking event will cost £25 to new entrants and is free for current 270 Squad members. All participants will be able to climb in designated areas after the trial (under parent supervision if under 16) if they wish.
There will be a member of the team on hand to answer any questions.
Hope to see you there!