About the Team
The England Climbing Team brings together promising young competition climbers from across England and Wales, selected for their demonstrated potential in a competitive environment.
Our aim is to provide an inspiring and supportive environment where athletes can explore their climbing, challenge their capabilities, and build the foundations needed to reach elite-level performance - while nurturing a lifelong passion for the sport.
As a key part of the national performance pathway, the team supports athletes on their journey from Home Nation competition toward selection for GB Climbing, where they may go on to represent Great Britain on the international stage.
GB Climbing Performance Pathway
At the heart of the England Climbing Team is a clear and ambitious mission:
"To create an environment where dedicated athletes can thrive, with a focus on their long-term athletic and personal development."
We are committed to delivering age- and stage-appropriate training opportunities, grounded in safe, ethical, and effective coaching practices. Our programmes are designed to support both immediate performance goals and the long-term progression of athletes toward national and international representation.
Our athlete development pathway is guided by key principles that underpin everything we do:
Collaboration with personal support networks
We engage with each athlete’s wider support system, including parents, guardians, and home coaches, to ensure consistency and alignment across their development journey.
Exposure to high-level competition standards
Athletes gain experience with international-standard route setting and competitive environments to help prepare them for the challenges of elite performance.
Foundations for long-term success
We prioritise the mental, physical, and tactical development needed to support sustained growth, recognising that long-term success extends far beyond short-term results.
The England Climbing Team offers two tailored programmes, each aligned to a climber’s stage of development.
Click here to download the structure.
England Foundation Programme: IFSC Age Categories U13 and U15
The Foundation Programme identifies and supports young climbers who are at the beginning of their performance journey. It is designed to foster strong foundations in training, competition experience, and skill development.
Athletes selected for the Foundation Programme typically demonstrate:
- A clear commitment to their long-term climbing development
- The ability to reach final rounds in domestic (national level) competitions
- The potential to progress into the England Development Programme within the next 1 to 4 years.
This programme provides athletes with the tools, experiences, and support necessary to begin working toward performance climbing at a higher level, while maintaining a focus on fun, personal growth, and safe practice.
MORE INFO: England Climbing Foundation Programme FAQ’s
England Development Programme: IFSC Age Categories U15, U17 & U19
The Development Programme is designed for climbers with greater competition experience who are preparing to take the next steps toward international-level performance.
Athletes selected for the Development Programme typically demonstrate:
- A strong dedication to structured training and competition.
- The ability to successfully transition between competition age categories, evidenced by regular final round progression and podium results at domestic competitions.
- The potential to gain an international quota place with the GB Climbing Team within 1 to 5 years.
The programme offers advanced training opportunities, targeted performance support, and a pathway toward GB Climbing selection, while continuing to prioritise athlete wellbeing and long-term progression.
MORE INFO: England Climbing Development Programme FAQ’s
Athlete and Coach Support
Athlete development is a collaborative process. Both the Foundation and Development Programmes are designed to integrate with each athlete’s existing training environment, while strengthening the relationships between athlete, personal coach, and home nation team.
Athletes and coaches have access to a range of support and resources, including:
- Expert guidance from England and GB Youth Coaches
- Age-appropriate route setting and skill development opportunities
- Educational resources on training, recovery, and competition preparation
- Opportunities to attend international training camps
This holistic support structure ensures athletes are equipped for each stage of their progression.
Funded by Sport England
The England Climbing Team is proudly funded by Sport England, whose continued support enables the delivery of impactful, long-term development opportunities for the next generation of competitive climbers in England and Wales.
Further Information
For more details on eligibility, selection processes, and programme timelines, please visit the links below or contact us at sophie.cox@thebmc.co.uk (Programme Manager) ellie.glennie@thebmc.co.uk (Lead Talent Coach)