The Castle Climbing Squad run structured climbing and training sessions for young people (10 to 17 years old) to focus on the progression and consolidation of their climbing skills in a fun, inspiring and supportive environment.
Since the Squad was launched in 2009 we have had multiple teams progress through our pathway and it has been a joy to watch them cultivate a love for climbing, with many remaining active climbers for life. We have also produced successful competition climbers, some of whom have gone on to win national events and even compete for their country on the international stage.
Interested in joining the Squad? All prospective members must attend a try out, held annually in late June or early July. During this competition-style bouldering session, applicants will have one hour to attempt a selection of boulder problems ranging from V3 to V7. Applicants should be aged 10–15, climb regularly (at least once a week), and be confident bouldering at V3 grade or higher. For further information, please contact the Bookings Team.
Comp Squad try-outs will take place w/c 6th July.
The try-outs are a 1-hour, competition-style bouldering session.
Participants will have one hour to attempt 6 pre-set boulder problems, typically ranging from V3 to V7.
To be eligible for selection, participants should be climbing confidently at the following levels:
Selections are made the week following try-outs and communicated via email.
Due to the high number of applicants, we are unable to provide individual feedback. Only successful candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us by Friday 17th July, unfortunately your child has not been selected for the 2026/27 season.
If selected, climbers are placed into a group of up to 6 athletes of similar age, experience, and ability. We currently run 6 squads (A–F).
Squad members train twice per week, with sessions lasting 2–3 hours each.
Most groups train on weekday evenings between 5:30–8:00/8:30pm, while some younger groups train on Sundays (10:30am–1:00pm).
The Squad costs approximately £2,600 per season (based on two 3-hour sessions per week).
This includes:
We offer a subsidy scheme for families on lower incomes, as well as a sibling discount for multiple children in the Squad.
Being able to guide so many kids on their journey to become the climbers they want be is hands down the best part of my job. Whether that’s crushing at comps, becoming safe and skilled rock climbers, or simply enjoying climbing and training with their mates at the gym. After more than 10 years I still look forward to every session.
Jamie Head Coach, Squad
Our training season is based on two things. Firstly the long term development of the climbers. We want to empower children to make their own decisions about their pathway of progression, helping them to enjoy a lifetime of safe, injury-free climbing. Secondly on performance at competitions. The main annual competitions are the BMC's Youth Climbing Series (YCS) and the Blokfest bouldering series.
Still not sure what’s right for you?
Drop us a message and we’ll
get back to you.
Or call us on 020 8211 1082 (Mon-Fri 10am-5pm)
