Southampton Climbing Squad Tryouts 2027

Does your child love climbing and want to take it further? Our squad tryouts (for 2027 squad) at Parthian Climbing Southampton are an opportunity to join a coached training programme, develop their skills and climb alongside other motivated young climbers.

We have six squads, offering different pathways depending on your child’s age, experience and goals—from developing confidence and movement skills to training for regional competitions.

Tryout sessions and booking

Location: Parthian Climbing Southampton
Dates: Saturday 12th December and Sunday 13th December
Price: £24 for climbers who are not currently squad members.

Choose the relevant squad below to book your tryout.

What is Parthian Squad?

Our squads support motivated young climbers who want to improve and explore what they can achieve. Our dedicated coaches help climbers develop their technique, fitness, confidence and independence.

We want every climber to build the knowledge and skills to continue their climbing journey, alongside a lasting love of the sport.

What are we looking for at tryouts?

Climbing ability is part of the selection process, but we also look at:

• Motivation to improve and enjoyment of climbing.
• Willingness to learn and respond to coaching.
• Commitment and a positive attitude.
• Movement skills and ability to work within a group.

Tryouts are about more than climbing the hardest routes. We’re looking for climbers who will enjoy their squad’s training environment and engage with the coaching process.

Which squad is right for my child?

The birth years below are a guide for our 2027 squads, rather than strict eligibility rules. If you’re unsure which squad to choose, please speak to our coaching team before booking.

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Climbing experience: Junior and Youth are the only squads that train on top rope. Climbers trying out for Prep, Junior Competition, Senior Competition or Development must be confidently lead climbing and lead belaying. Prep candidates must also be live lead climbing within NICAS.

Junior Squad

For our youngest enthusiastic climbers, with fun games and top-rope climbing to develop movement skills, confidence and enjoyment. Junior Squad members must also attend NICAS, where they develop tying-in and belaying skills alongside their squad training.

Youth Squad

For younger climbers with strong motivation to improve. Age-appropriate training follows the competition calendar, and members are encouraged to try competing.

Prep Squad

A stepping stone towards Development or Junior Competition Squad. Sessions focus on lead belaying, climbing movement and preparing for lead competitions.

Two-hour sessions can include bouldering, lead fall practice, climbing games and endurance training. We recommend taking part in YCS competitions to gain experience.

Junior Competition Squad

For motivated younger climbers who want to train and compete. Training follows the competition calendar, with two weekly sessions lasting two hours each: approximately 90 minutes of climbing followed by 30 minutes of strength and conditioning.

Members are expected to compete at regional level.

Senior Competition Squad

For motivated climbers committed to competition training. Like Junior Competition Squad, members attend two weekly two-hour sessions combining climbing with strength and conditioning, structured around the competition calendar.

Members are expected to compete at regional level.

Development Squad

For climbers with a strong drive to improve and an interest in the wider sport. Two-hour sessions combine structured climbing training with strength and conditioning, developing movement, fitness, belaying skills and confidence on challenging climbs.

How often do squads train?

All squad members train with us twice per week. For more advanced squads, this means two squad sessions. For younger squads, it means one squad session alongside one NICAS session.

Does my child have to compete?

Competition is required for Junior Competition and Senior Competition Squad members.

Other squad members are encouraged to explore competitions, but participation is optional. We recognise that every climber has different interests and goals.

Book your tryout

Ready to take the next step? Choose your child’s squad from the booking links above.

If you’re unsure about their eligibility or the best squad for them, speak to our coaching team before booking.