Youth Teams
Touchstone’s Youth Team Program is divided into four levels—Club, Development, Training, and Competition—climbers are placed based on age, experience, maturity, and goals. Climbers will develop the technique, strength, and confidence required for competitive and outdoor climbing in a fun and rigorous training environment. Each team has specific prerequisites, goals, and expectations.
Learning Objectives
All Youth Team climbers will:
Program Progression
Our Youth Team structure is informed by the American Development Model (ADM) and Canada’s Long-Term Development (LTD) framework—two evidence-based models that guide youth athletic growth. Each team level is designed to meet climbers where they are developmentally, offering age-appropriate challenges and learning outcomes.
Club Team
Climbing Students
Ages 8-18 | 1 day/week
The entry-level team is designed for climbers new to structured training. Participants must have completed at least one climbing camp or 3+ months of climbing experience in the past year. Kids Club (8-11) and Youth Club (12-18) practice once a week, focusing on foundational climbing skills, gym etiquette, and confidence-building exercises. This level emphasizes observation, learning, and a love for the sport.
| Program | Schedule | Initiation Fee | Monthly Dues | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Club | Mondays from 4:30pm-6:30pm | $50 | $175 | 8-11 |
| Kids Club | Wednesdays from 4:30pm-6:30pm | $50 | $175 | 8-11 |
| Youth Club | Tuesdays from 4:30pm-6:30pm | $50 | $175 | 12-18 |
| Youth Club | Thursdays from 4:30pm-6:30pm | $50 | $175 | 12-18 |
Join the Club Team!
Entry into the Club Team is by assessment and approval from a coach. Fill out this form to be placed on the waiting list for a Club Team at Mission Cliffs.
Team Touchstone
Team Touchstone is for climbers ages 7-18 dedicated to advancing their climbing through structured training and a team-based environment. Coaches focus on developing a holistic athlete: training the next generation of competitive climbers while supporting a lifelong love of the sport.
Development Team
Climbing Enthusiasts
2 days/week
The Development Team introduces climbers to regular, structured training. Coaches guide climbers through physical, mental, and social skill-building exercises to prepare them for higher-level climbing.
Training Team
Climbing Athletes
3 days/week
For climbers ready to pursue competition or advanced outdoor projects, the Training Team emphasizes advanced climbing techniques, movement patterns, and conditioning. Participants learn to integrate fitness, calisthenics, and climbing-specific exercises into their weekly routines.
Competition Team
Climbing Competitors
3 days/week
The Competition Team is for dedicated athletes training to compete at the highest level. Climbers combine on-wall climbing, calisthenics, weights, and mental training. Coaches deliver rigorous, safe coaching designed to refine technique, optimize performance, and develop competition strategies.
| Program Name | Cost | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Development Team | $285 (Does not include additional competition fees) | TBD |
| Training Team (Jr Varsity) | $335 (Does not include additional competition fees) | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday from 4:30-7:30pm |
| Competition Team (Varsity) | $335 (Does not include additional competition fees) | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 4:30-7:30pm |
Join Team Touchstone
Placement on Team Touchstone—Development, Competition, or Training—requires a tryout or, in special circumstances, a coach recommendation. Participating in try-outs ensures climbers are training at the right level to learn, grow, and stay challenged in a supportive team environment.
For information on upcoming tryouts or to learn more about Team Touchstone at Mission Cliffs, please fill out our interest form.
Membership Support
For our Club Team and Team Touchstone monthly memberships, we offer membership support to those who are experiencing significant financial instability and who otherwise would not have access to the gym. Please contact Member Services or talk to your Gym Manager for more information.
Climber Expectations
All Youth Team climbers agree to program expectations and codes of conduct, including:
- Regular practice attendance
- Competition participation
- Respect for coaches and teammates
- Commitment to safety, perseverance, and sportsmanship
- Serving as program ambassadors during and outside of practice
USA Climbing (USAC)
Team Touchstone prepares climbers for competitions sanctioned by USA Climbing, including Lead/Top-Rope, Bouldering, and Speed disciplines. Qualifying events run from October through February, with Regional, Divisional, and National Championships in spring and summer. Our members participate in Region 21 (NorCal) or Region 31 (SoCal).