What does it mean?
"Discovering climbing at the age of 13 has benefitted me in so many ways. I've built confidence and strength, made lifelong friends and had a reason to explore countless beautiful places. Climbing is really good for us, both mentally and physically!
Unfortunately, those who would benefit most from the mental and physical challenges of climbing are the ones least likely to experience them. This is due to a significant lack of representation of diverse ethnicities throughout all levels of the sport, combined with a number of barriers to access and many other historical issues. In short - the climbing scene has some work to improve inclusivity of our wonderful sport!"
~ Louis Parkinson
What are we doing?
1) Outreach Climbing Sessions.
Our programme, "Catalyst For Change" is an initiative focused on reaching out to local marginalised communities and charity organisations to create accessible options to attending our introduction to climbing sessions lead by one of our Catalyst Coaches at one of the 7 LCC centres around various boroughs in London. We're also working with these communities and organisations to create regularly guided group coaching sessions that allows for an ongoing developmental option for keen climbers who would love to improve their climbing and enjoy the social aspect indoor climbing creates.
This initiative allows for up to 10 participants to attend a 60-minute climbing session for free - including gym entry, shoe hire and the session being lead by a Catalyst Coach.
We are aware that when working with different groups, having a diversified range of male and female coaches is necessary as such we are constantly working with this at the forefront as we continue to expand our team of Catalyst Coaches.
2) Coaching Scholarship Pathway.
Aside from providing free access to coached climbing sessions, we are also focusing on the prospect of working as a climbing coach more accessible!
Becoming a climbing coach is thought to require years of experience in addition to various qualifications and insurance policies. The time and expense involved can immediately make the option of becoming a climbing coach totally unfeasible for a lot of people, leading to a distinct lack of representation for ethnically diverse climbers amongst the coaches they are able to work with. This is what we would like to change!
Every few months, Louis Parkinson runs 2-day Coach Training workshops at Harrowall - we will now be reserving several spots on each of these workshops for scholarship placements, which can be applied for by those who would otherwise lack the means to begin their journey as a coach!
If you're interested in a free scholarship on one of these workshops, either to improve your coaching skills or with a view to joining the Catalyst Coaching Team, please fill out the form below to arrange a short chat with Shiggi.