Structure + Registration Process
The A-Team is split into four levels:
REC (recreation)
INT (intermediate)
ADV (advanced)
COMP (competition)
Each year, there will be three seasons:
Fall (Sept. - Dec.)
Spring (Jan. - Apr.)
Summer (May - Aug.)
During each 15 week season, coaches will work with our team climbers to subdivide the teams into working groups based on age, ability level, and commitment to climbing and training. Each participant is required to purchase either a “Once Per Week,” “Twice Per Week,” or “Thrice Per Week” ticket, which will last the whole season. For those climbers on the COMP Team; you will need to purchase the “COMP-Thrice Per Week” ticket. Please be sure to assign this ticket and purchase to the A-TEAM climber, NOT the parent/guardian making the purchase. The ticket purchase triggers 3 emails, one of which is a Registration Form. It is imperative to fill out the Registration Form that you receive by the indicated deadline. This is where you are able to pick in which session(s) your climber will participate. All of our registration is on a first-come first-serve basis. Once a team session gets filled, that session will be closed to registration for the duration of the season. Current team participants will be given advanced notice to register before the general public. So, get your slots early!
Each ticket denotes the number of sessions per 15 week season. E.g. “Twice Per Week” ticket is equivalent to 30 coached climbing sessions over the 15 week season. We highly encourage our climbers to come to every session. The A-TEAM is designed as a progressive program that builds week by week, and we have found the more consistent the climber, the greater the enjoyment and progression that will be achieved. If a climber is unable to make a session (we get it, life happens), you are welcome to take advantage of your membership to come to any facility outside of practice time to ensure your child does not fall behind their fellow A-Team climbers. For our REC/INT Team climbers we recommend climbing once or twice per week. For ADV Team we recommend twice or thrice per week.
We also encourage our climbers to climb outside of team practice times with their friends/family. In order to facilitate this, a free membership will be included with all A-Team registrations! It will automatically begin on the first Monday that the season starts, and will last through the end of the month of the last session of the season. Ex. Team begins the week of May 6-12 and ends the week of August 19-25, therefore the membership will be active from May 6-August 31 (Since the first day of the new season is May 6, we kindly ask to please finalize all registrations on the Sunday before the team starts: May 5.). For those on the team registering for the following season, the included membership would continue uninterrupted through the next season. Also, rental gear is included during any visit to any ASCEND Facility.
For those COMP Team climbers who would like to continue climbing through the summer, we will be reintegrating the COMP and ADV Team at ASCEND South Side and will not be offering Friday team classes again until next fall. If you are a Regionals and/or Divisionals qualifier please reach out directly to [email protected] for extra practice/training options.
What Else Is Included
All A-Team climbers will receive an ASCEND A-Team shirt at the beginning of each 15 week session (one per year) as well as the opportunity to purchase one pair of Evolv climbing shoes at a 30% discount each calendar year. Participants also receive rental gear on team days, discounted registration to camps, events, competitions, and more! Shoe discount only available during team order window and discounts on camps, events, comps, etc...only available on specified sessions.
A-Team Prerequisites
REC Team: In order to join the REC Team, we ask that our athletes have participated in either an ASCEND Summer Camp, Youth 101, or Family 101. Check out our Youth + Family Introductory Classes.
INT Team: In order to join the INT Team, we ask that our athletes have participated in at least 1 season on the REC Team.
ADV/COMP: In order to join the ADV/COMP Team it is by invite of the A-Team coaching staff at Ascend.
If you have previously participated in a climbing team and believe your child has the necessary experience to join the INT, ADV, or COMP A-Team without completing a prerequisite, please reach out to [email protected] with any questions.
Pricing
Once Per Week (15 – 1.5hr sessions) = $450
We are making an adjustment to our REC Team schedule for the summer down to 1.5 hr sessions per class. This change is to allow our youth climbers some time off over the summer, as well as a nudge and encouragement to get outside and spend time in the sun! We have also found that some of our REC level climbers are struggling to maintain focus and discipline for a full 2 hr. session. We hope and believe that this change can lead to better results in the gym as well as an improvement in the overall impact our Youth Teams have on the gym community.
Twice Per Week (30 - 2hr sessions) = $750
Thrice Per Week (45 - 2hr sessions) = $900
COMP Thrice Per Week (45 - 3hr sessions) = $1,125
participation in USAC Regional, Divisional and National competitions may incur additional fees
Additional Information
Snacks, transportation, and before/after team child care are not included in any of the A-Team offerings.
We ask all our climbers to arrive as close to the start of their team as possible and to show up ready to climb. That means having proper clothing (active clothing allowing for stretching and movement—climbers must wear shorts or pants underneath skirts), a water bottle and snack if possible (we offer drinks and snacks for purchase at the front desk), and try to show up rested and ready to send.
Special events, competitions, and holidays may impact some sessions resulting in rescheduling. But, we will do our best to plan out the entirely of each season from the beginning and not disrupt that. Thank you in advance for your understanding!
If you have any questions, suggestions, interest in joining the team, interest in competitive level training, or for more information, send us a message.