The BMC Youth Climbing Series offers fun climbing competitions for young people. The series is extremely popular and attracts hundreds of entrants across the country.
The competition is open to all young people so, whether you're new to climbing, or already have some experience, this could be just the competition for you.
There are three regional rounds in each of the following BMC areas followed by a Grand Final when the top 3 in each category from each of the BMC Areas, BMC Cymru/Wales, the two Areas from Scotland and Ireland take part (see below).
South West
London & SE North
London & SE South
Midlands
Peak
Yorkshire & Humberside
Lakes & North East
North West
Wales/Cymru: BMC Cymru/Wales holds two rounds in each of their North and South areas and then hold an all BMC Cymru/Wales Final. The top 3 in each category from the BMC Cymru /Wales Final then go through to the Grand Final.
Scotland: Mounteering Council of Scotland hold their own MC of S Youth Climbing Series. They have two areas: Scotland North and Scotland South. The top 3 in each category in each of the two areas in Scotland go through to the Grand Final.
Ireland: Mountaineering Ireland run their own MI Youth Climbing Series in Ireland and, like Wales, the top 3 in each category from their final go through to the Grand Final.
There are five categories, with separate girls and boys competitions, that follow the IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) system based on year of birth. The categories are called Youth A, B, C, D and E.
In 2016 these are:
Youth A - those born in 1999 & 2000
Youth B – those born in 2001 & 2002
Youth C – those born in 2003 & 2004
Youth D – those born in 2005 & 2006
Youth E - those born in 2007 & 2008
As the categories are worked out on the year a young person is born - and these move on by one each year - the following table sets out how the categories work out until 2019.
|
Year
of
Event
|
Year of Birth
|
|
Youth E
|
Youth D
|
Youth C
|
Youth B
|
Youth A
|
|
2016
|
2008
|
2007
|
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
2001
|
2000
|
1999
|
|
2017
|
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
2001
|
2000
|
|
2018
|
2010
|
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
2001
|
|
2019
|
2011
|
2010
|
2009
|
2008
|
2007
|
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
Each event comprises
3 routes and 3 boulder problems for each category. In categories A, B and C routes are led. In categories D and E they are top-roped. For an explanation of the difference between leading and top-roping a route, please see
A Parents Guide to Climbing
To be eligible for the Grand Final it is necessary to take part in at least two regional rounds in the Area that a climber lives. If a series is not organised in their region climbers may enter the series in the region nearest to them.
More information
The information given here changes slightly each year so even if you are already familair with this event it is still worth reading the updated information each year.
Download the Rough Guide to the BMC Youth Climbing Series
Download the full rules for the BMC Youth Climbing Series 2016
Full results of the 2016 regional rounds can be found here.
Download results of the 2016 grand final (pdf)
More competitions for young people
WATCH: BMC Youth Climbing Series Final 2016 on BMC TV:
WATCH: BMC Youth Climbing Series Final 2015 on BMC TV:
WATCH: BMC Youth Climbing Series Final 2014 on BMC TV:
WATCH: BMC Youth Climbing Series Final 2013 on BMC TV:
If you're under 18 (or a student) you can join us for just £18.35 a year. Or, £15.72 for your first year on Direct Debit. With members discounts in over 600 outdoor shops, you'll start saving money as soon as you start buying gear.
For parents:
WATCH: Just for Fun on BMC TV
WATCH: First Steps: Katy Whittaker on BMC TV
Follow the BMC's competition climbing Twitter feed: @BMC_Comps
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