Introduction to the England Squad Programme

The England National squad supports the athlete in developing their performance standards and styles through the key areas of technical, tactical, physical, psychological, nutrition and lifestyle, whilst maintaining the GB Climbing core values of Health, Performance and Respect.

Athletes who are successful in the application and selection process are invited onto the GB performance pathway through their national squad training programmes.  The GB England coaches work holistically with the athletes, their primary coaches and their support networks, to foster a creative learning environment. Athletes will further develop their foundations, find opportunities to express individuality, and be exposed to an environment that will give them the tools to thrive as they navigate their youth competition climbing journey.

The England squad activity is split across four regions; South (including London), South West, North and West (including Wales) and North and East (including the Midlands). An athlete applying to the squad will select the region most appropriate to them.

England National Squad

Athletes who achieve selection to the National squads for Scotland and England (including Welsh and Northern Irish athletes) will remain in their regional/development squads for localised, progressive individual training, and will gain additional development experiences through the National Squad residential camps.

The residential camps will focus on the development of the personal skills; technical, tactical, physical, mental, health and well-being: required to bridge the gap from national to international performance level. The England National Squad will act as a further bridge to a high-performance culture. Athletes should have already developed a high technical skill level, coupled with high physical awareness, physical literacy and be able to apply more advanced performance skills.

Aims of the England Squad Programme

• To deliver holistic development experience including creative sessions where athletes are encouraged to ask purposeful questions, embrace new ideas and have high engagement with the sessions.

• To deliver purposeful training experiences, in highly supportive environments, and in collaboration with primary coaches, so athletes can thrive in a competition, take the learnings from it and deliver personal best performances.

• To expose athletes to a high performance culture which includes engagement with GB coaches and external expertise, in a fun and supportive yet challenging environment.

How we do it

Exposure to and experience of the different competition standards and styles will support those athletes in the England Squads to develop their potential through structured environments, facilitative coaching, and climbing with peers of a similar or higher standard. Athletes will develop a broad range of technical skills through wide-ranging practice and domestic competition experiences, supported by a functional athletic base, alongside a safety competence in each discipline. The training environment will be developmental, supportive and competitive, whilst being fun, with athlete health and well-being core to everything we do.

Support for athletes in the pathway also includes resources such as the TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) and their specialist practitioners.  Athletes on the England Squad may also apply for a Sports Aid award, which offers some financial support.

Squad Programme Delivery

• 2 x benchmarking days (boulder and lead).

• 4 x region based training sessions (2 boulder, 2 lead). Individuals are invited to group session which could be between 3 hours or a whole day. Details for each session vary and are sent in advance of the session.

• 1 x end of year training and development event.

• Athlete training events will take place in stage appropriate groups with other athletes from a similar geographical area.

• The GB England Coach for the geographical area will lead in the arrangements of the training sessions.

• The GB England Regional Coach will also as a contact point and to support and help develop each individual athlete development plan (IADP).

Additional for National Squad Only

National squad athletes are also offered the opportunity to take part in:

• 1 x domestic camp (3 to 4 days)

• 1 x international camp (4 to 5 days)

• Invitation to GB Team trials

There may be other opportunities to all England Squad athletes depending on program capacity.

England Squad Uniform

Athletes are able to purchase items from the England Climbing Shop. Recommended items are:

• 1 x T-shirt

• 1 x Hoodie

Athletes are expected to wear the uniform at training sessions.

Costs of the England Regional and England National Squad

• £250.00 for the year plus own travel costs.

• Additional cost of attending benchmarking events as part of the selection to the squad.

• Additional cost of attending training camps and extra sessions.

Eligibility

• Age 11-19yrs

• 2024 – England, Welsh and Northern Irish athletes will be eligible to apply to attend England pathway activity.