Why the change?

We have taken the time to review both Squad set ups at Volume 1 and High Sports and one of the biggest differences we found was the seasonal nature of the Squad at High Sports. This meant that for large chunks of the year the squad is not regularly training and from our experience at Volume 1, we have found this to not be beneficial to maintaining and improving their climbing.

We therefore wanted to move to a system that ensures consistency across the year, especially in the run up and preparations for the competition season.

Year-Round Sessions

Squad sessions will now run every single week of the year, with the exception of Christmas where there will be a short break. This will enable the kids to maintain their performance and work even closer with the coaches.

Age/Session Categories

We are also making some changes to the schedule and moving away from separating the kids via the BMC competition age categories. This change enables us to place the kids in the group that we feel that they will get the most out of and also provide us with a pathway for their progression.

The new categories are:

·        Development Squad (8 – 12)

·        Development Squad (12 – 18)

·        Squad (8 – 12)

·        Squad (12 – 18)

The difference between the Development Squad and Squad is that the Development Squad is aimed more at those earlier on in their performance climbing pathway and therefore the format and content of these sessions will be adapted better for their needs at this time. As they progress, they will then be invited into the Squad.   

Schedule

Our new schedule will be:

·        Development Squad (8 – 12): Tuesday and Thursday: 4pm – 5.30pm

·        Development Squad (12 – 18): Tuesday and Thursday: 6pm – 8pm

·        Squad (8 – 12): Monday and Wednesday: 4pm – 5.30pm

·        Squad (12 – 18): Monday and Wednesday: 6pm – 8.30pm

Pricing

As part of this change to all year-round sessions, we will also be making the move to monthly payments (similar to a direct debit). The pricing of this is as follows:

·        Development Squad (8 – 12): £152 per month

·        Development Squad (12 – 18): £152 per month

·        Squad (8 – 12): £152 per month

·        Squad (12 – 18): £170 per month

The higher price of the Squad 12 – 18 is due to these sessions now increasing to 2.5 hours long, meaning the squad get more coaching time per week.

Benefits to the monthly system:

·        Payments spread evenly across the year

·        No worry about re-booking, the payments will automatically come out each month and they will remain enrolled on until you cancel

·        Each month is calculated as 4 sessions per month, however on some months there will be 5 sessions at no extra cost.

·        New Squad perks package (see further below)

·        New heavily discounted parent/sibling bolt on membership option (launching in October)

·        Coaches present at major competitions throughout the year to support the kids

With this new system and that you will automatically be getting at least 4 sessions free per year due to us only charging 4 sessions per month, we will no longer be offering credit for sessions that are missed. However, with the new perks system all Squad kids will get unlimited climbing outside of squad sessions which will help if they miss a week.

For any sessions that we are unable to run (such as in the Christmas holidays) you will be credited for these which will be deducted from the following months payment.

Perks Package

We want to support our Squad perform at their best and therefore have the following new perks package that will be included from September onwards:

·        20% discount in the High Sports and Volume 1 Climbing Shops

·        Free climbing at both High Sports and Volume 1 Climbing outside of Squad sessions

·        Discounted entry to High Sports and Volume 1 Climbing in house competitions (e.g. The Big Scramble)