THE COLISEUM JUNIOR CLIMBER & PARENT GUIDE
WELCOME TO THE COLISEUM
Thank you for choosing The Coliseum Bouldering Centre.
Whether your child is taking their very first steps into climbing or already dreaming of competitions, we’re here to provide a safe, supportive and enjoyable environment where young climbers can build confidence, develop new skills and become part of a thriving climbing community.
This guide contains everything parents and guardians need to know before visiting.
WHAT IS BOULDERING?
1. WHAT IS BOULDERING?
Bouldering is a form of climbing performed on shorter walls above specialised safety matting, without the need for ropes or harnesses.
It combines physical activity, problem-solving and creativity, making it an excellent sport for children of all ages.
Benefits of bouldering include:
- Improved balance, coordination and movement skills
- Increased strength and flexibility
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Confidence building and resilience
- Social interaction and teamwork
- A fun alternative to traditional sports
No previous experience is required.
WHO CAN CLIMB?
2. WHO CAN CLIMB?
FUNDAMENTALS OF MOVEMENT (1yrs – 4yrs)
Fun movement sessions focused on coordination, balance, confidence and early physical development through play.
1yrs to 4yrs | Half-Term Block | Parental Supervision
BOOK FOR THIS HALF-TERM →
TASTER SESSIONS (4 yrs +)
This fun introductory session is perfect for young climbers trying bouldering for the first time.
4yrs to 15yrs | One-off Drop-in | Coach Supervision
BOOK TASTER SESSION →
MINI GLADIATORS (4yrs – 7yrs)
A fun introduction to climbing through games, movement, and basic technique in a supportive social environment.
4yrs to 15yrs | Membership Required | Coach Supervision
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CENTURIONS (8yrs – 11yrs)
Develop climbing skills, coordination, and confidence through structured games, technique coaching and team activities.
8yrs to 11yrs | Membership Required | Coach Supervision
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EMPERORS (12yrs – 15yrs +)
Progress climbing movement, problem solving, and technique while building independence and social confidence on the wall.
12yrs to 15yrs + | Membership Required | Coach Supervision
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NICAS ASCEND (8yrs – 14yrs)
Our SEN-focused NICAS pathway offering inclusive, supportive climbing sessions tailored to individual needs and progression.
8yrs to 14yrs | Drop-in Available | Coach Supervision
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NICAS BOULDERING ADD-ON
Add the official NICAS Bouldering pathway onto Junior Bouldering Club, including logbooks, certificates, and structured progression.
4yrs to 15yrs + | Membership Required | Coach Supervision
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THE COLISEUM ACADEMY
Advanced training sessions for dedicated young climbers focused on performance, competition skills, strength, and progression.
7yrs to 15yrs + | Membership Required | Coach Supervision
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TEEN CLIMBER LICENSE
A coached assessment pathway for experienced young climbers working towards independent climbing sign-off.
7yrs to 15yrs + | 4-Week Course | Coach Supervision
BOOK NOW →
HOLIDAY CLIMBING CAMPS
Action-packed school holiday sessions with coached climbing, games, activities, and packed lunches included – see upcoming camps for dates and availability.
4yrs to 15yrs + | Drop-in Available | Coach Supervision
BOOK HALF-TERM NOW →
FAMILY ESSENTIALS CLASS
The Family Essentials group class is a friendly, coach-led class for complete beginner families looking to get into bouldering; you’ll learn essential safety, basic movement skills and how to use the centre with confidence.
8yrs + | Booking Required | Coach-Led
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PARENT / GUARDIAN SUPERVISION
3. PARENT / GUARDIAN SUPERVISION
Safety is our highest priority.
RECREATIONAL CLIMBING
Children under 18 must be supervised by a responsible adult at all times while climbing recreationally.
- Maximum ratio: 1 adult to 2 children
- Supervising adults must complete a Supervision & Safety Assessment
- Supervising adults must remain actively engaged with the climbers in their care
TEEN CLIMBER LICENSE (14–17)
Teen climbers may climb independently only after successfully completing our in-house sign-off process.
Until signed off, parent or guardian supervision is required.
COACHED SESSIONS
Children attending Junior Bouldering Club, Academy sessions, NICAS or organised activities are supervised by our experienced coaching team for the duration of the session.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK FORMS
4. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK FORMS
All climbers under 18 require a parent or legal guardian to complete an Acknowledgement of Risk Form before participating.
This form includes:
- Emergency contact information
- Consent to participate
- Important information about climbing-related risks
Forms can be completed online prior to arrival.
Complete your form before your first visit to speed up check-in.
JUNIOR BOULDERING CLUB
5. JUNIOR BOULDERING CLUB
Our Junior Bouldering Club is the perfect introduction to climbing.
Children are grouped by age and ability, allowing them to learn in a fun, social and supportive environment.
Sessions include:
- Climbing games
- Movement challenges
- Basic climbing technique
- Confidence building
- Social interaction with other young climbers
AVAILABLE SESSIONS:
Mini Gladiators (4–7)
Play-based learning and movement development.
Centurions (8–11)
Skill development, games and NICAS Level 1 progression.
Emperors (12+)
Advanced movement skills, independence and progression towards Academy pathways.
TEEN BOULDERING (AGES 14–17)
6. TEEN BOULDERING (AGES 14–17)
Designed specifically for climbers aged 14–17.
TEEN SIGN-OFF
Teen climbers wishing to climb independently can work towards sign-off through our coaching team.
To be signed off, climbers must demonstrate:
- Safe climbing practices
- Good judgement
- Awareness of other climbers
- Understanding of centre rules
Once signed off, they may climb independently during normal opening hours.
FAMILY CLASSES
7. FAMILY CLASSES
Climbing is one of the few sports the whole family can enjoy together.
We offer dedicated Family Essentials sessions and Family Climbing opportunities designed to help families get started safely.
Our team can assist with:
- Shoe fitting
- Safety briefings
- Basic climbing advice
- Route recommendations
No previous experience is required.
EQUIPMENT & SHOE HIRE
8. EQUIPMENT & SHOE HIRE
Don’t worry if you don’t have your own equipment.
We offer:
- Climbing shoe hire
- Chalk sales
- Climbing brushes
- Climbing accessories
- Coliseum merchandise
Please wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement.
DAY PASS & MEMBERSHIPS
9. DAY PASS & MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS
DAY PASS
Unlimited climbing for the day.
DAY PASS + SHOE HIRE
Ideal for first-time visitors.
MEMBERSHIPS
Perfect for regular climbers and include benefits such as:
- Unlimited climbing
- Discounts on events
- Discounts in The Summit Bar
- Discounts on retail purchases
- Exclusive member offers
THE SUMMIT BAR & VIEWING AREA
10. THE SUMMIT BAR & VIEWING AREA
Parents and guardians are welcome to relax in our mezzanine viewing area while children participate in sessions.
The Summit Bar serves:
- Locally roasted coffee
- Tea and cold drinks
- Cakes and snacks
- Light refreshments
The viewing area overlooks the main climbing arena, providing an excellent view of the action below.
SAFETY FIRST
11. SAFETY FIRST
We take safety seriously.
Our facility is inspected daily and overseen by trained staff throughout opening hours.
Please remind your child to:
- Look before climbing
- Avoid walking underneath other climbers
- Listen to staff instructions
- Wear suitable climbing shoes
- Climb down where possible rather than jumping
- Respect other climbers and shared spaces
Following these simple rules helps keep everyone safe and ensures a positive experience for all.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES & GROUP BOOKINGS
12. ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSIVE CLIMBING
The Coliseum offers exciting climbing experiences for:
- Birthday parties
- School groups
- Youth organisations
- Scouts, Guides and uniformed groups
- Sports teams
- Community groups
Our experienced team will help create a memorable climbing experience for every participant.re your visit so we can provide the best possible experience.
STAY CONNECTED
13. STAY CONNECTED
Follow us on social media for updates, term-time schedules, competitions, and special events:
Instagram / Youtube: @coliseumbouldering
Facebook: The Coliseum Morpeth
Holiday Schedule:
CLOSED – Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day.
CONTACT & BOOKING
14. CONTACT & BOOKING
Book online for:
- Junior Bouldering Club
- Junior Academy
- Teen Bouldering
- Family Essentials
- Birthday Parties
- Group Sessions
The Coliseum Bouldering Centre
Morpeth, Northumberland
Email: manager@thecoliseum.co.uk
Website: thecoliseum.co.uk
[Insert phone number]
OUR ETHOS
15. OUR ETHOS
At The Coliseum, climbing is about more than reaching the top.
We believe climbing helps young people build confidence, resilience, independence and lifelong friendships.
Whether your child is taking their very first steps on the wall, progressing through NICAS, or preparing for competition climbing, our goal is simple:
To create a welcoming community where every young climber can thrive.
We look forward to welcoming your family to The Coliseum.