Bloc Yard Youth Teams
Summary
The Bloc Yard Youth Teams are designed to provide a full range of opportunities to learn about climbing, compete in climbing and, most importantly, have fun climbing. To help meet the needs of all the kids, we have split the Youth Team into two different teams: a Competitive Team and a Development Team.
If at any time during the season your athlete does not feel like the team they are on fits them, they can change teams.
NOTE: Each team has its own focus and goals, which can be read about by clicking the links above.
When is it?
Open House
Curious what the team is about? Not sure which team you should sign your child up for? Come to the Teams Open House! It will be a great chance to meet some of the coaches and learn more about the team!
Join us August 29th, 10am–12pm at the Bloc Yard Gym
Practices Start
The first day of practice for the 2026–2027 season is scheduled for September 14th for the Development team and September 15th for the Competitive team. Practice runs from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM during the week, with an optional Saturday morning practice for the Competitive team.
Who is it?
George Hughbanks
I began my climbing life in 1992 right here in Spokane. I cut my teeth on the crags of the west coast of America learning the arts of traditional climbing. I was fortunate to also come into climbing at the explosion of sport climbing and soon gym climbing. I helped build Wild Walls and had the opportunity to begin my route setting career. I have coached climbing for Wild Walls and the Spokane Climbing Association in their early years. I have been the head setter for over 50 competitions encompassing local, regional, and collegiate events. I have a unique perspective as a coach and route setter that I am excited to share. When I am not busy supporting my kids in their passions, mine is searching for new boulders to climb and new areas to develop for climbing. And when I can pack it into life I am on the board for the Bower Climbing Coalition, a nonprofit organization with the goal of replacing bad and aging anchors and improving climbing-area trails and belay stances for our local climbing areas.
Benjamin Aguilar
I've had the privilege of coaching at the Bloc Yard for the past nine years, and it's been an incredibly rewarding journey. Coaching gives me the opportunity to give back to the climbing community that has given so much to me. My mission is to help shape young athletes—not just into strong climbers, but into confident, resilient individuals. I'm a certified USA Climbing coach and a certified sports psychologist, and I've been climbing since 2011.
Evelyn Harris
My name is Evelyn Harris, I'm 21 years old. I've been climbing my whole life, but it wasn't until I joined Bloc Yard that I became fully hooked. Since then, I've been climbing consistently and eventually joined the Bloc Yard crew. I help with route setting and coaching, and I'm thrilled to be part of this team. Climbing and the community have been a positive and encouraging environment for me, inspiring me to coach and motivate kids. I want to encourage them to try their hardest while having fun. I'm excited to meet all the energetic kids eager to climb in the coming year!
Lucy Reed
Hi, my name is Lucy Reed and I love everything climbing! I’ve been climbing and competing since I was six years old. Throughout high school I coached for my gym in Missoula, Montana. I learned how much I love to coach and I’ve been so privileged to help many kids grow into strong, technical climbers, and more importantly—into some pretty awesome people. Having been on the receiving and giving end, I believe mentorship in climbing is one of the most special parts of the sport. It’s how we pass along knowledge with care and compassion. I look forward to meeting everyone!
Competitive Team
Summary
The Competitive Team places a high focus on developing athletes to compete on the USA Climbing Youth Circuit. This includes a more intentional approach to training athletes for competition: youth-appropriate strength training, advanced technique practice, mobility work through yoga, and sports psychology practices to help them compete at their highest level.
Team includes
- 2–4 coaches for every practice
- Team jersey
- Training journal
- Professionally designed training program
- 3 practices a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday)
Requirements
- Must be at least 9 years old by end of calendar year or have been on the team previously
- Must compete in 2 local competitions and Regionals (if qualified)
When is it?
Open House
Curious what the team is about? Not sure which team you should sign your child up for? Come to the Teams Open House! It will be a great chance to meet some of the coaches and learn more about the team!
Join us August 29th, 10am–12pm at the Bloc Yard Gym
Practices Start
The first day of practice for the 2026–2027 season will be September 15th from 4pm–6pm.
How much is it?
NOTE: A membership and coaching fee are required to be on the team.
- Monthly EFT memberships (Sept–Feb) – $54/month or Prepaid Annual – $399 for team members. That’s a $100 savings for the year.
- Coaching fee – $115/month (required)
Development Team
Summary
The Development Team takes a fun-first approach that focuses on learning proper movement and overall climbing technique. We keep it light and fun with the overarching goal of developing a love for climbing. Beyond the games and technique building, we focus a little on developing climbing-specific strength through “on the wall” drills.
Team includes
- 1–3 coaches for every practice
- 1 practice a week (Monday)
Requirements
- Must be at least 7 years old by end of calendar year
When is it?
Open House
Curious what the team is about? Not sure which team you should sign your child up for? Come to the Teams Open House! It will be a great chance to meet some of the coaches and learn more about the team!
Join us August 29th, 10am–12pm at the Bloc Yard Gym
Practices Start
The first day of practice for the 2026–2027 season will be September 14th from 4pm–6pm.
How much is it?
NOTE: A membership and coaching fee are required to be on the team.
- Monthly EFT memberships (Sept–Feb) – $54/month or Prepaid Annual – $399 for team members. That’s a $100 savings for the year.
- Coaching fee – $55/month (required)
Form was submitted successfully!
Thank you for your interest in the Bloc Yard Youth Team! One of the coaches will reach out as soon as possible to confirm your submission and answer any questions you might have.