Youth Climbing teams

Climbing is more than a sport - it builds strength, confidence, and problem-solving skills.

Boulder Union’s youth programs offer expert instruction in a fun, supportive community where kids grow, connect, and take on new challenges.

No matter where your child is in their climbing journey, Boulder Union has a program to support their growth and passion.

OUR TEAM SEASONS ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE IMMERSIVE SESSIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR: SUMMER (JULY–AUGUST), FALL (SEPTEMBER–JANUARY), AND SPRING (FEBRUARY–JUNE).
DESIGNED FOR YOUTH ATHLETES AGES 6+.

EACH SESSION IS PACKED WITH FUN, SKILL-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES THAT KEEP CLIMBERS ENGAGED AND PROGRESSING YEAR-ROUND.

Recreational Team (beginner)

our Beginner Recreational Team focuses on skill development, and personal growth in a fun, supportive environment. While some may compete, the emphasis is on improving technique, building confidence, and enjoying the sport at a more focused level.

Practices run twice a week for 3 hours. While climbers often train side by side, we may group by age or experience to keep things supportive, focused, and fun for everyone.

$305 / Month - includes Boulder union Membership and rental equipment.

Developmental team

For committed climbers looking to progress, the Development Team trains twice a week, focusing on technique, strength, and competition prep. Athletes are selected for their dedication and compete in USA Climbing events as they push their skills to the next level.

Practices run twice a week for 3 hours. While climbers often train side by side, we may group by age or experience to keep things supportive, focused, and fun for everyone.

$305 / Month - includes Boulder union Membership and rental equipment.

National Team

Boulder Union’s National Team is for elite athletes training to compete at Divisional and National USA Climbing events. With high-level coaching and advanced training, climbers refine their skills, build strength, and prepare for Youth Nationals, National Cups, and beyond.

Practice Options:

1 Practice/week (3 Hours each): $205/Month
2 Practices/week (3 HOurs Each): $305/Month
3 Practices/week (3 hours each: $390/month

prices include full membership to boulder union, rental equipment and competition-related coach fees, including travel and on-site instruction.

Tryouts & Assessment REquired

Participation on our national team requires a tryout and coach assessment to ensure athletes are placed in the appropriate training environment.

Hybrid National Team

Elite training with added flexibility. Athletes commit to three in-person practices every two weeks while following a structured plan at their local gym. Perfect for those balancing travel, school, and high-level competition.

Never Climbed Before?
Fill Out this form and We’ll Be in touch

A smiling person with curly hair, wearing a worn-out t-shirt, holding a chalk bag, likely for rock climbing. The image is in black and white.

Meet
Peter Torphy

Peter brings six years of coaching experience to Boulder Union as our Programs Manager. AS Level 2 USAC-certified coach, Peter has worked with athletes across all skill levels, helping them refine technique, build strength, and reach their full potential. a V14 climber, he understands firsthand the dedication and discipline it takes to progress in climbing.

Team boulder union FAQs

  • Open to climbers ages 6–19. We offer skill-based tiers—Recreational, Developmental, Hybrid, and National/Competitive — that match age and experience so every climber trains at a level that fits.

  • Not at all! Our Recreational and Developmental Teams welcome beginners. Tryouts or assessments are only required for Hybrid and National teams to ensure proper placement.

  • We offer different training options ranging from 1 to 3 practices per week, depending on your climber’s team and goals. Here’s what we recommend:

    Recreational: 1×/week, 3 Hours
    Developmental: 2×/week, 3 hrs each
    National: 2–3×/week, 3 hrs each

    We may group climbers by age or experience during sessions to keep training supportive, effective, and fun.

  • Your monthly fee covers:

    Team practices, Full Boulder Union gym membership, Rental gear (harness, shoes, chalk) and for our National Team — optional comp coaching and performance training.

  • Yes! We offer a 10% discount for two siblings enrolled, and 20% when three or more siblings join — regardless of team level.

  • Recreational Team: No — open enrollment
    Developmental: Assessment recommended
    National & Hybrid National: Yes — tryout & coach evaluation required

    Miss the initial tryouts? No worries—contact us anytime to schedule an individual assessment during practice hours.

  • We intentionally keep group sizes small—about 4–6 climbers per coach, ensuring personalized attention, timely feedback, and ongoing support.

  • Participation in competitions is encouraged but not mandatory—even on the National Team. We support both competitive and non-competitive climbers at that level.

  • We follow the USA Climbing Youth Series calendar, which typically runs from October through June, including qualifiers, regionals, divisionals, and national championships.

  • After tryouts/assessments, coaches develop personalized training plans. Throughout the season, climbers receive structured guidance in technique, strength, endurance, mental prep, and competition readiness.

  • We’ll offer make-up practices for missed sessions when possible. For withdrawals:

    • Full refund up to 7 days before billing
    • 50% refund 4–7 days before billing
    • No refund within 3 days prior

  • We adhere to USA Climbing SafeSport protocols and local health guidelines. Coaches are trained, and all climbers must follow our safety/behavioral code.