Development Team
(Ages 8 - 13)
Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 - 6:30 PM
Development Team is the starting point for young climbers who are excited to explore competitive climbing and prepare for success in the sport.
The Development Team is designed to help athletes build the skills, confidence, and experience required for success in USAC Local, Regional, and Divisional competitions. This program is ideal for athletes who are ready to make climbing a primary focus and are motivated to improve through consistent training, focused effort, and a commitment to growth.
Training follows a progressive structure throughout the season to help athletes steadily develop their technical skills, physical abilities, and competitive readiness. Athletes will continue developing strong foundations in bouldering and roped climbing while improving technique, movement skills, strength, body awareness, confidence, and mental resilience. As athletes progress, they will learn how to set goals, apply feedback, build effective training habits, and approach challenges with a growth mindset.
The Development Team provides a supportive and encouraging environment where athletes will learn the value of commitment, teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Coaches will work with athletes to develop their skills, provide meaningful feedback, and help each climber build confidence through achievable challenges and consistent progress. The program focuses on creating positive experiences with training and competition while building a strong foundation for long-term growth within the climbing program.
Athletes interested in joining the Development Team should:
Have at least 3 months of experience from Rec Team
Show excitement for competition climbing
Be able to commit to regular practice attendance for the entire season (September - May)
Demonstrate a positive attitude, responsiveness to feedback, and willingness to work hard and support teammates
Prerequisites
At least 3 consecutive months of Rec Team
Coach recommendation
Corequisites
All team members are required to attend at least two USA Climbing Qualifying Events for Bouldering and Lead/TR, with the intention of competing at USA Climbing Regionals, Divisionals, and Nationals in both Bouldering and Sport, should they qualify.
Pricing
This program is billed on the 1st of each month. Membership is required for participation.
$310/month
Pricing Includes:
4 hours of coaching per week
1:4 Coach to Athlete Ratio
Coaching at USA Climbing Events
Gym Membership with Unlimited Access to all MetroRock Locations
Member Only Hours
Monthly Guest Pass
20% off in the Gear Shop
FREE Belay Class for Parents
Pricing does not include USA Climbing Membership or Competition Fees
Financial Aid is available for all team programs. Email steph@metrorock.com for more information.
Join the Team
The Development Team does not require an athlete assessment prior to enrollment.
Instead, athletes will be able to register with a coach recommendation and the month of September will serve as a probationary period, allowing coaches to evaluate each athlete’s readiness, commitment, and fit within the team environment.
During this time, coaches will assess athletes’ on the following:
Work Ethic
Shows dedication, initiative, focus, and a commitment to making the most out of every training opportunity
Listening & Execution
Pays attention, follows instructions, responds positively to feedback, and is able to effectively apply coaching
Mindset
Approaches challenges with a positive attitude, stays committed to personal growth, and contributes positively to the learning environment
Sportsmanship
Is respectful of coaches, teammates, and the training environment. Contributes to a positive, supportive, and motivational team environment by encouraging others, embracing healthy competition, and showing enthusiasm for the sport
At the end of the probationary period, coaches will determine whether the Development Team is the appropriate placement to support each athlete’s continued growth and success.