VRG Climbing Teams

 The VRG Recreational Team is designed for climbers who love the sport and want to explore it in a fun, supportive setting. With a focus on teamwork and movement exploration, athletes build foundational climbing skills and develop confidence both on and off the wall. In a flexible, low-pressure environment, athletes are encouraged to grow at their own pace with guidance from supportive coaches. The Rec Team emphasizes positive team dynamics and climbing for enjoyment over structured training, laying the groundwork for a strong and joyful connection to the sport. 

 Recreational Team practices are playful, social, and mindfully structured to support learning through experience. Sessions include movement-focused games, team-building activities, and coach-led guidance in foundational climbing techniques and safety. Practices encourage curiosity, creativity, and self-expression, and offer a consistent space for athletes to climb with peers in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Coaches cultivate a team culture rooted in encouragement and inclusion, where athletes feel safe, supported, and excited to participate, regardless of experience or ability. 

•  Climbing games and activities that teach fundamental movement patterns, body awareness, creative problem-solving, and teamwork
• Development of basic climbing techniques, including footwork, balance, body positioning, and safe falling practices
• Confidence-building through age-appropriate challenges that help climbers assess risk, overcome fears, and celebrate progress
• Emphasis on teamwork, communication, and peer support to foster friendships and a sense of belonging on and off the wall
• Positive coaching and encouragement that supports each climber’s individual pace and nurtures a growth mindset
• Reinforcement of climbing etiquette and respect for the gym environment.
• Introductory exposure to goal-setting and reflection to help climbers track progress and celebrate effort

 Coaches will support and observe each athlete’s growth throughout the season. Rather than formal evaluations or performance benchmarks, assessment on the Recreational Team focuses on each climber’s engagement during practice, willingness to try new skills, ability to collaborate with teammates, and overall enjoyment of the sport. Coaches will provide encouragement, guidance, and individualized feedback to help athletes feel successful and confident as they progress at their own pace. Families are welcome to participate in an optional parent-coach conference once per season to discuss their child’s experience, goals, and development. 

 The Recreational Team does not participate in formal competitions. Instead, the emphasis is on fun, social connection, and an exploration of movement and personal growth through climbing. For athletes who show increased interest or readiness for more structured training or competition, coaches may offer guidance on next steps, such as trying out for the Development Team. Participation on the Rec Team is about exploring climbing in a low-pressure, joyful way—no competition required. 

•  6+ months of consistent climbing experience or has participated in one of our Youth Programs.
• Eager to learn in a fun, supportive environment.
• Be able to follow instructions, stay engaged during practice, and show respect for coaches, peers, and the gym space. 
• A willingness to try new things and participate in group activities is essential.
• All teams require an application, attending tryouts (or trial week), and all coaches' approval in order to join. 

 Climbers who demonstrate strong engagement, coachability, consistent attendance, and an enthusiasm for skill-building may be invited to try out for the Development Team in a future season. Rec Team athletes who show growing interest in structured training, personal goal-setting, and taking on more challenges are encouraged to speak with their coaches about the next step. Coaches will provide feedback and guidance on readiness and help interested athletes navigate the transition process. Please note that the minimum age for the Development team is 11, unless approved by coaches.

 The VRG Competitive Team is designed for dedicated young climbers who are intrinsically motivated to grow, train, and challenge themselves in pursuit of personal and competitive progress. Our mission is to cultivate resilience, focus, and a love for the process within a rigorous yet supportive team environment.

Through structured training, advanced skill development, and a strong emphasis on attitude and mindset, athletes learn to approach climbing and competition with confidence, resilience, and self-awareness. The Comp Team fosters a culture of commitment, coachability, and team spirit—where climbers are driven by their passion for the sport and find joy in both their individual growth and their place within the team and the broader climbing community.

The Competitive Team requires a high level of commitment and a desire to engage deeply in the process of growth. Practices offer a structured, purposeful environment centered on skill development, strength building, and cultivating a resilient mindset. Sessions are focused and challenging, encouraging athletes to embrace discomfort as an essential part of learning to manage the physical and mental demands of climbing and competition.

Athletes are expected to arrive ready to work hard, try new things, stay engaged, and support their teammates. Comp Team climbers should find joy in the process of pursuing their potential and be driven to train, grow, and contribute to a collaborative, supportive team environment. They should embrace feedback, approach challenges with a positive mindset, and demonstrate respect for their coaches, peers, and the broader climbing community.

Coaches intentionally foster a team culture rooted in mutual respect, positive peer support, and a growth-oriented mindset. While training is demanding, we also prioritize joy, curiosity, and a love of movement—striking a balance between pushing limits and sustaining passion.

•  Development of advanced climbing techniques and refined movement skills
• Age-appropriate strength training, conditioning, and injury prevention exercises
• Education on recovery practices, including listening to the body, incorporating rest, sports nutrition and avoiding overtraining
• Mental training that emphasizes resilience, focus, emotional regulation, and maintaining a positive mindset through challenges
• Personal goal setting and regular progress check-ins to encourage ownership of the growth process
• Individualized performance tracking to monitor progress and guide development
• Tactical competition strategies, including both physical execution and mental preparation
• Leadership development, self-reflection, and team-building activities to foster accountability and a positive team culture
• Feedback-driven coaching within a challenging yet supportive environment.

 The Comp. Team coaches will actively track athlete progress in the following aspects:

• Genuine enjoyment of climbing
• Personal goal setting and progress
• Coachability and openness to feedback
• Self-motivation and internal drive
• Climbing etiquette and safety awareness
• Having a positive mindset
• Resilience
• Technical movement and skill development
• Strength development 
• Respect for teammates and contribution to team culture
• Communication skills and teamwork
• Integration into our larger VRG community

Note: While we will continue to assess athletes' growth in these areas, it is expected that all Competitive Team athletes already demonstrate these foundational skills. The Comp Team provides an environment for athletes to further refine and deepen their abilities as they pursue higher levels of performance.

The VRG Comp. Team’s goal for competition is to foster a healthy internal competitive drive and prepare athletes for external expression of this drive at USAC comps. Comp. Team climbers must compete in USAC events including 2 USAC Bouldering (Fall) competitions and 1 Rope Competition (Winter/Spring).  Athletes on this team are required to be members of USAC. 

• The Competitive Climbing Team follows the USA Climbing’s schedule for bouldering and rope seasons. Practices are planned around upcoming USAC events.
  • The USAC Bouldering season runs October through February
  • The USAC Rope season runs April through June
• Note: USA Climbing is the national governing body of competitive climbing in the United States. Competitions run from October to July, depending on the athlete’s progression through each advancing competition during each season.  See Region 12 – USA Climbing for further details.

•  Athletes must have 6+ months climbing experience.
• Must have impeccable climbing etiquette.
• Have internal drive to improve as a climber and competitive athlete.
• Have a desire to compete in USAC.
• All teams require an application process, attending tryouts (or trial week), and all coaches' approval in order to join.