Performance Coach
Performance Coaches work with climbers over a long period of time and will structure annual plans for individuals, often within climbing squads or academies.
Key info
Must be a qualified: Development Coach
Registration is an application process and requires approval from Mountain Training UK & Ireland
Training: 5 days plus some online sessions, spread over 3-4 months, delivered to a fixed training cohort each year (max. 12 places per cohort)
Assessment: Bespoke, includes an interview (viva) and practical coaching assessment
Average time from training to passing assessment: Currently unknown (new qualification)
Ideal for: Experienced climbing coaches who want to design, plan, deliver and review bespoke interventions to help climbers make tangible improvements and achieve mid to long term goals.
Entry requirements
| To register |
Information about the 2025 application process will be available soon.
If there are more than 12 candidates with sufficient experience, they will be added to the next cohort. |
| To join a training cohort |
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To book an assessment course |
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Courses
Performance Coach training incorporates five one-day courses and some online training sessions, delivered to a fixed cohort of candidates on an annual or biannual basis (depending on demand).
Like any other Mountain Training qualification, the training will focus on the elements of the syllabus that coaches may struggle to develop on their own. Unlike other qualifications, the training is a developmental scheme in itself, with a series of sessions attended over several months, with mentored practical assignments in between.
Training
Training includes 5 in-person training days and some additional online sessions. The cost of the full training package is £650. Candidates accepted onto a cohort must attend ALL training days.
| 18th September 2024, Sheffield |
Unit 1: PLAN
One day in-person training |
| 16th October 2024, Manchester |
Physical Training for Climbing 2
One day in-person training |
| 12th November 2024, Kendal |
Unit 2: DO
One day in-person training |
| 19th December 2024, Sheffield |
Mental Skills Training
One day in-person training |
| 15th January 2024, London |
Unit 3: REVIEW
One day in-person training |
Syllabus
- Personal and professional development
- Physical training
- Skill acquisition
- Psychology
Consolidation
Following completion of all three Performance Coach training courses, candidates are required to create a portfolio as part of the assessment application process.
The 'portfolio' is not necessarily written, but candidates need to evidence the depth and breadth of their coaching experience, and developmental learning throughout the pathway. We have no interest in favouring the written word, not discriminating against those who find written evidence is not their strength. Hence, portfolios will be accepted as audio and video recordings as well as written documents. The import thing is to work with a mentor to ensure your portfolio represents your depth and breadth of coaching, and demonstrates you have the skills and experience to fulfil the syllabus.
Assessment
Once your portfolio has been approved by your mentor, and your application has been agreed by a member of the training and assessment team, you may proceed to book an assessment. Each assessment is a bespoke and holistic process and will include an interview of your experience and progress, as well as a final practical (observed) coaching session with a long-term client/climber.
You will be assessed against the syllabus competencies in the candidate handbook. At the end of the assessment you will receive one of two results:
- Pass
- Defer (requires reassessment)
Meet a coach
