The BMC ran two National Academy events on 10 July, with almost fifty young climbers receiving expert coaching. A third National Academy will be held on 17 July in Manchester.

British Junior Team Manager and Team coach Ian Dunn ran one event at the Westway in London, and former British Team coach Dave Binney delivered another at the Newcastle Climbing Centre.

Each day was split into a variety of shorter workshops developing the children’s skills. Both Ian and Dave also spent time explaining some training principles to both the children and their parents.

The coaches helping Ian at the Westway were British Team member Adrian Baxter, British Team coach Tom Randall, BMC S Wales Area Youth Coordinator Paul Walters, Westway coach Rob Russell, BMC Vice President and former British Lead Climbing Champion Audrey Seguy, and Welsh coach Rachael Crewesmith.

The coaches helping Dave in Newcastle were former British Team members Gemma Powell and Jordan and Naomi Buys, British Team coach Ged MacDomhnaill, and Shefflield based coach Rob Napier.

The children attending the National Academy were selected by their positions in the 2010 Youth Climbing Series final. BMC Area Youth Coordinators also selected some other talented climbers in their areas who they thought would benefit.

Many thanks to the Newcastle Climbing Centre, the Westway, and the Manchester Climbing Centre, for hosting the National Academy and to Sport England for funding the talent development program.

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