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, and from Scotland and Ireland take part (see below).
South West
London & SE North (north of the M4/Thames OR in RG postcode)
London & SE South (south of the M4/Thames AND NOT in RG postcode)
Midlands & Peak
North East & Yorkshire
North West & Lakes
Wales/Cymru
Scotland: Mounteering Scotland hold their own MS Youth Climbing Series. They have two areas: Scotland North and Scotland South. They hold two rounds in each of their North and South areas, followed by an all Scotland final. The top 3 in each category in the Scottish Final go through to the Grand Final.
Ireland: Mountaineering Ireland run their own MI Youth Climbing Series in Ireland and, like Scotland, 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 2018 these are:
Youth A - those born in 2001 & 2002
Youth B – those born in 2003 & 2004
Youth C – those born in 2005 & 2006
Youth D – those born in 2007 & 2008
Youth E - those born in 2009 & 2010
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 2018
Download the full rules for the BMC Youth Climbing Series 2018 - coming soon
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 £19.35 a year. Or, £16.97 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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