For your chance to train hard, climb strong and represent Parthian Climbing at National Competitions, read on…

 

Squad Try-outs for 2025

After a hugely successful 2024 competition season, we would like to announce try-outs for positions in Parthian Reading’s 2025 squad. We are looking for highly motivated climbers who want to take their climbing to the next level. With our team of dedicated coaches we strive to work with talented young climbers to unleash their full potential. The try-outs will be running on the 31st of November and 1st of December and are available to aspiring climbers from the ages of 7 and up.

Our Squads are divided into different age groups and focusses and depending on age and experience successful participants will be offered a space on the corresponding Squad. Easy monthly payments cover the sessions, free climbing outside of sessions and free drop-ins during holidays.

Our Squads:

Competition Squad:

Comp squad is aimed at athletes who are 14 and up, categories A and B. It  is designed for climbers who are committed to competing at a high level, including regional, national, and potentially international competitions. Training is highly structured, rigorous, and performance-oriented, with a strong emphasis on refining technique, strength and conditioning, mental preparation, competition strategies, and tactics. It consists of 2 sessions a week, Tuesday and Thursday evenings as well as a third session of independent climbing outside of squad sessions expected.

Selection for our competition squad is highly competitive, based on performance, skill level, and previous competition results.

Development Squad

Our development squad is aimed at those who are 13 and up, categories A, B and C. It is aimed at climbers who are still building their skills and gaining experience, with the goal of progressing to a higher level, including potentially moving up to the competition squad and includes climbers of varying abilities, from beginners to intermediates, who are looking to improve their climbing skills. Training is less intense than the competition squad, with a focus on skill development, technique, general fitness, and building a strong foundation. Sessions may also include some introduction to competition elements, but the emphasis is on personal growth and improvement. It consists of 1-2 sessions a week, Monday and Friday evenings as well as a third session of independent climbing outside of squad sessions expected.

Selection is more inclusive, focusing on potential, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn rather than current performance levels. Try-outs may be less competitive, and there’s a stronger emphasis on self motivation and personal improvement.

 

Prep Squad

Prep squad is aimed at those starting to compete on lead, categories C and D, 10-13yo. It is for climbers who are new to structured training or who are preparing to advance to the development squad. It focuses on foundational skills and familiarizing members with the basics of training and teamwork while also building lead climbing skills and typically, includes beginners or those with limited experience who are exploring climbing as a sport and considering whether they want to pursue it more seriously. The training intensity is lower intensity, with an emphasis on learning basic climbing techniques, safety protocols, movement skills, and general fitness. Training is fun, supportive, and aimed at fostering a love for climbing. It consists of 1-2 sessions a week, Wednesday and Friday evenings as well as a session of NICAS or equivalent.

Selection is very inclusive, focusing on interest in climbing and a willingness to participate. The goal is to provide a welcoming entry point for young climbers or those new to the sport.

 

Youth Squad

Youth squad is for those who would be competing on top rope categories D and E, 8-11 yrs and is for our younger climbers who are eager to enhance their skills, push their grades, and advance their climbing abilities. It typically includes beginners or those with limited experience who are exploring climbing as a sport and considering whether they want to pursue it more seriously. The training is lower intensity, with an emphasis on learning basic climbing techniques, safety protocols, movement skills, and general fitness. It consists of 1 session a week on Monday evenings as well as a session of NICAS or equivalent.

Selection is very inclusive, focusing on interest in climbing and a willingness to participate. The goal is to provide a welcoming entry point for young climbers or those new to the sport.

 

Junior Squad

Junior Squad is for our youngest climbers, 6 to 8 years old, and concentrates on developing a strong foundation in climbing movement, technique, and love for climbing. We are looking for those who are keen climbers willing to explore the fun climbing has to offer and the sessions are focused on learning through fun and exploring. It consists of 1 session a week on Wednesday as well as a session of NICAS or equivalent.

During try-outs, we are looking for those who are keen climbers willing to explore the fun climbing has to offer.

 

Click here to apply for the 2025 Parthian READING Youth Squad: