The IM2 Climbing Academy has been set up to support talented youth climbers who have the desire to compete, they are training specifically for competitions and have shown a natural talent for climbing.
They are fully supported and given the opportunity to develop, some of them work along side existing Squads and Teams but through the IM2 Climbing Academy they have the opportunity to train and prepare for National and International Competitions with Training Camps and Specific Coached Programmes.
All training and planning is directly overseen by Iain McKenzie and the main team sponsor is Ian Mattioli (IM2 Climbing Academy).
The main kit sponsor is ABK, Metolius and Evlov.
Events
GB Development Squad Info
2019 Development Squad selection event information
National Comps
National Climbing Events
Scottish Comp Info
Scottish Competition Information
Arco Junior Youth Cup
The Arco Junior Youth Cup event
IFSC
IFSC – International Federation of Sport Climbing.
Current Team Members

Finn Jackson

Lucienne Turner

Sam Hammond

Lily Hammond

Luke Turner

Available Space
Could this be you? We will be recruiting another team member, please contact us for more information. team@iainmckenzie.co.uk
Academy Profiles
The team profiles are contained within this section, please click a name in the tab for more information.
My first experience of climbing was on a mobile wall when I was 2, I followed the wall around during the school holidays for the next 4 years.
When I was 6 I joined Nottingham Climbing Centre sand then did my NICAS awards, and I have been hooked every since, joining the newly formed junior squad in 2016, I am now in the senior team.
I love mountain biking, swimming (this year I got 11 county times but opted for the climbing competitions instead of the county champs) trying out acro yoga with my sister (Lily) bouldering and climbing in the peaks and Stanage.
I am really excited to be working with Iain alongside Nottingham climbing team to improve my climbing and hopefully achieve my dream of competing in the Olympics and on a world stage.
2015/16
Depot Youth Boulder Cup I came 2nd The My Climb series (2015/6) where I came 1st overall (group E)
The British Youth Climbing Series regional rounds (Peak region) where I was placed 1st this enabled me to be entered into the finals in Ratho (group E)
The final of the British Youth Climbing Series I placed 5th (group E)
2016/17
The My Climb series I came 2nd overall (group D)
The British Youth Climbing Series Midlands and Peak rounds Placed 2nd (group D)
The final of the British Youth Climbing Series I came 14th (group D)
2017/2018
Blocbuster I came 1st in the 7-11 age category
My Climb Series I came 1st Overall (group D)
I began climbing when I was 7 and joined Big Rock’s Academy when I was 9, which was when I started competing.
I love visiting other climbing centres whether it is for competitions or training camps or just to gain experience of other walls.
I am now building on a solid start and am working hard with IM2 to improve my technique, strength and stamina so that I can achieve the goals and follow in the footsteps of Tara and Alex.
I’ve been climbing since I was 8 progressing through the NICAS levels and eventually becoming a Pinnacle CC squad member in 2012.
I’ve developed my competition skills in both leading and bouldering through the BMC Youth Climbing Series reaching the finals at Ratho several times over the last 5 years.
I have gained experience sport climbing in Arco, Italy and Imst, Austria, as well as the Peak District and Wye Valley. However I primarily climb indoors focusing on bouldering and leading.
This year I’m competing in the domestic Youth Opens, and so far have gained a top 5 place in the Youth Open Bouldering at the Depot Nottingham.
I’ve been working with Iain since early 2018 as I’m looking to push my grades and my indoor competition results.
I am 7 years old and from Sheffield but have also lived in Cornwall and North Vancouver where I started climbing when I was 2 at the local park. I love everything about climbing, it makes me feel excited, happy and strong. My favourite outdoor climbing destination this year has been Fontainebleau, where I climbed my first outdoor 6B.
This year is my first year competing in the Youth Climbing Series in Youth E, my current goal is to get to the national final in Edinburgh. One day I would like to be part of the GB team and compete around the world.
As well as climbing, I also go to gymnastics where I love the bars and cartwheeling! I like to ride my scooter around and go out running with my Dad in the Peak District. But most of all, I love climbing; I’m excited to climb in more competitions and work with Iain alongside the WAD Squad at the Climbing Works.
Results
BMC Youth Climbing Series, 1st Place, Midlands and Peak Area Round 1, Female Youth E, January 2018
Midland Youth Climbing Series, 1st Place, Round 2, Female Youth E, November 2017
Young Climbers Festival, 1st Place, Age 7, August 2017
Young Climbers Festival, 1st Place, Age 5-6, August 2016
Young Climbers Festival, 2nd Place, Age 5-6, August 2015
Sponsors
Absolute Rock
Pitch Climbing
I started climbing on a mobile wall at 2 years old and then started to climb at Nottingham Climbing Centre when I turned 5 and then eventually I started working on the NICAS awards.
In 2016 Nottingham Climbing Centre created the junior team and I was one of the founder members.
I also enjoy swimming 3 times a week, playing with my friends, walking in the Peak district with my family and Bob the dog and going outdoor climbing when we get the chance.
I’m really excited to continue to work with Nottingham Climbing team and Iain to progress with my climbing and hopefully be good enough to enter the World Bouldering Championships.
Age 7
The My Climb series (2015/6) where I came 1st overall (group E)
The British Youth Climbing Series regional rounds (Peak region) where I was placed 3rd this enabled me to be entered into the finals in Ratho (group E)
The final of the British Youth Climbing Series I placed 18th (group E)
Age 8
The My Climb series I came 1st overall (group E)
The British Youth Climbing Series Midlands and Peak rounds Placed 1st (group E)
The final of the British Youth Climbing Series I came 5th (group E)
Age 9
Blocbuster I came 4th in the 7-11 age category
My Climb Series I came 2nd Overall (group D)
Latest Academy Events
24/03/18 the team smashed it at the final Regional round of the BMC YCS Awesome Walls Sheffield
More info in the Blog Here