Aims of Youth & Development Squads

Throughout both squad programs we will:

• Deliver purposeful training experiences in supportive environments allowing the sessions to be fun whilst challenging.
• Work in collaboration with primary coaches to support athletes throughout their journey,
• Expose athletes to a performance culture which included engagement with Ireland team coaches and external expertise.
• Develop climbers with skills to enable them to have a positive impact on society through their role as an ambassador for the sport.
• Help and support youth climbers in their future ambitions and provide opportunities to allow progress towards these ambitions.

How we will achieve this:

Squad session will deliver exposure and experience to different competition standards and styles and allow for development through structured environments, coaching and climbing with peers of a similar or higher standard. The training environment will be developmental, supportive, competitive and fun. Athlete health and well being at the core of the programme.

Eligibility

• Resident of Ireland or Northern Ireland.
• Climbers in age categories U11, U13, U15, U17, U19 or U23 (see diagram ).
• Climbers must be members of Mountaineering Ireland and maintain their membership whilst competing.
• Climbers must read and sign the Climbers Agreement and abide by its terms and conditions. 
• Climbers must compete at Mountaineering Ireland Climbing Championships in both Lead and Boulder.
• Climbers must attend and participate in scheduled Mountaineering Ireland Youth Squad training days.
• Climbers must comply with Sport Ireland Anti-Doping rules and comply with the requirements of the World Anti-Doping Code.
• Climbers must comply with Mountaineering Ireland procedures and policies.

Selection Criteria

Selection has been based on:

• 2025 Youth Climbing Series Results 
• 2025 Youth Climbing Series Grand Final Results
• Performance on Selection Event on 8th / 9th November 2025
• 2025 Irish Bouldering Championship Results 
• 2025 Irish Lead Championship Results
• Coach Review and Feedback
• Athlete Questionnaire - additional 
• Additional results beyond the scope previously listed may also be considered as the discretion of the Selection Panel.

The selection panel (Lucy Mitchell Youth Co-Ordinator, Philip Duke Youth Coach and Eimir Mc Swiggan High Performance Lead  met to discuss and review all of the above and offer places subsequently. The panel members have been selected in accordance to Sport Ireland and Mountaineering Ireland Governance Guidelines.

Climbers were only selected if they met the Eligibility Criteria and the panel believe that they have clear potential and intention to attend Squad Sessions and have a strong desire to develop as a climber.

Injury / Illness status will also be taken into consideration.

To be selected, climbers will need to meet both the eligibility and selection process standards before being considered.

De-Selection Criteria

The replacement of climbers de-selected from the squad will be considered at the discretion of the Selection Panel in accordance with eligibility and selection requirements.

A climber may be de-selected from the Youth or Development Squad on the following grounds:

• Ceasing to comply with the eligibility and selection criteria set out in the Selection Policy
• Failure to engage with Mountaineering Ireland's Climbing Program and processes.
• Inability to demonstrate the level of fitness and commitment expected.
• Injuries, illness and changes in health status will be considered on a case by case basis.
• Anti-doping rule violation or receipt of provisional suspension due to an anti-doping infringement.
• Serious misconduct or suspension due to misconduct.

Cost

There will be an annual cost to be a member of the Youth and Development Squads. This cost will cover payment for coaches, route-setters, venue hire and squad t-shirts / clothing (TBC)

• Youth Squad (4 x 2 day training events = 2 x 2 day selection weekends) : TBC
• Development Squad (4 x 1 day training events + 2 x 2 day selection events) : TBC

Additional costs of attending camps and extra sessions may occur with both squads, these will be opportunities, not obligations.

Accountability and Commitment

Full commitment and payment per term is required by climbers.

• Selected climbers must meet, demonstrate and have clear evidence of working towards and / or achieving any set targets, engaging with the program eg. regular communication with the Youth Squad coaches and Squad session attendance.
• Development Squad Climbers must commit to completing the Youth Climbing Series (if eligible by age), Irish National Competitions, and, in upper age categories, a minimum of one British Competition.
• Climbers' spaces are guaranteed only for one year, with the squad up for reselection on an annual basis and continuing to be dependent upon attitude, effort and performance throughout the year. 

Coaching

Coaches will provide support and opportunities to climbers who have shown themselves to have climbing potential and ambition.

• Coaches will attend and collaborate on all squad sessions throughout the year. 
• Coaches will provide support during sessions in aspects of tactical, technical, physical and psychological preparation and performance. 
• Coaches will provide feedback within each session, providing climbers with elements to work on.
• Coaches will engage with climbers primary coaches for information, feedback and collaboration.
• Coaches will engage with parents regarding feedback as required.
• Coaches will be compliant with all Sport Ireland and Mountaineering Ireland's Safeguarding requirements.

The selection policy is subject to periodic review to ensure that the selection policy remains fair and efficient; considers any external rule or policy amendments; and includes any relevant feedback from selectors, athletes, coaches and parents as stakeholders.