YCS Regional Round Consultation

We are consulting on a proposed change to the regional structure of the BMC Youth Climbing Series (YCS) and would love to hear your views. The aim of this survey is to gather views, understand impacts, and identify potential solutions before any final decisions are made for the 2026 YCS. There are no right or wrong answers — we are keen to hear your perspective to build an even better Series.
1.Which best describes your involvement?
(Select all that apply)
2.Which area are you primarily based in?
3.How would you rate your current experience of the Youth Climbing Series overall?
4.What currently works well about the existing regional structure?
5.What challenges or barriers do you currently experience?
A consideration for 2026 would move from:

North East & Cumbria
to:
North East & Yorkshire
North West & Cumbria

This proposal aims to:

Balance participation numbers across regions
Split large population centres (e.g. Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield)
Improve travel via stronger north–south transport links
Secure sufficient climbing wall venues
Improve the level of competition

We will also consider running the event across two weekends to reduce travel (the same as the rounds in Wales)
6.What is your initial response to this proposed regional change?
7.Please expand on your answer above/to question 6
8.How do you think this change would affect you or your climber?
(Select all that apply)
9.Are there specific journeys, venues, or logistics you are concerned about?
10.To what extent do you agree with the following statements?
(Strongly agree → Strongly disagree)
Strongly agree
agree
neutral
disagree
strongly disagree
The proposed regions are more balanced in participation
The proposal fairly splits large population centres
North–south travel is generally easier than east–west travel
East-west travel is generally easier than north-south travel
Venue availability is a key factor in regional planning
11.Are there any of these assumptions you disagree with? If so, why?
12.If you have concerns about the proposal, what changes or mitigations would help address them?
13.Are there alternative regional structures you believe would work better?
14.Which factors should be the highest priority when setting regions?
Most Important
Important
Neutral
Least Important
Not important at all
Travel distance/time
Public transport access
Participation balance
Venue quality and capacity
Competitive fairness
Cost to families
15.Is there anything else you would like us to consider before a decision is made?