At ClimbScotland we are always evolving and moving forward, trying to provide key opportunities for our young Scottish climbers. We aim to build a solid and sustainable pathway that helps these climbers and those to come, to have a life-long and positive association with climbing and physical activity more generally.

As part of this pathway both the Development Squad and the National Squad are key. Through these Squads we aim to build up young climbers by:

  • Building a community
  • Facilitating relevant preparation
  • Providing holistic climbing opportunities
  • Contributing to appropriate development

Pathway for climbers in Scotland

A diagram showing the pathway for climbers in Scotland in graphical form

Scotland National Squad

Aims to:

  • Provide climbers with opportunities to help support their development towards a more performance focused mindset.
  • Provide climbers with a breadth of experiences to showcase climbing as a culture, a profession and a sport.
  • Be the linking step from Development Squad to the GB Climbing Squad, offering support and signposting on this journey.

Scotland Development Squad

Aims to:

  • Be the initial step on the squad pathway and be a welcoming community to support development.
  • Help climbers prepare for progression based on the their own ambitions.
  • Provide climbers with a breadth of experiences to showcase climbing as a culture, a profession and a sport.

Note

Note the Scotland Development Squad and Scotland National Squad roughly reflect the pathway levels of the English/Welsh Regional Squad and English/Welsh National Squad (respectively).

Working together

Development – Wall Teams / Squads / Clubs / NICAS

These all play a critical part in the whole pathway across Scotland and we will work with these parties in creating a connected network of coaches and setters to support the development of future athletes.

Grassroots – Wall Programmes / NICAS

Through the Scottish Climbing Wall Network, we will work with facilities and their staff to support and signpost young climbers on to the pathway.