About Youth Competitive Team
Team Crux is our competitive youth program built for motivated young athletes who want to push their climbing abilities, train intentionally, and compete in the USA Climbing (USAC) circuit. Crux Houston’s competitive team serves as an extension of our gym culture—bringing Houston’s youth together in a supportive community where athletes learn from, inspire, and challenge one another.
Our coaches focus on advanced bouldering techniques, movement efficiency, physical conditioning, mental focus, competition strategy, and sportsmanship. We aim to nurture dedicated athletes while instilling confidence and valuable life skills on and off the wall.
A Youth Competitive Team membership includes dedicated coaching sessions, full facility access to boulder at Crux Houston anytime during standard business hours, rental gear, and gear discounts!
Program Details
*Youth Comp team is not expected to start until January of 2027. Please check out our Youth Rec Team or one-on-one private climbing coaching.
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Recommended Ages: 7 to 18
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Practice Times:
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Tuesdays & Thursdays: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM (Younger / Junior Team) & 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM (Older / Senior Team)
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Saturdays: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (Combined Team Practice)
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Cost: $210 / month (includes full facility membership, rental gear, and an official Team Crux shirt)
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Sibling Rate: +$160 / month for each additional sibling
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Tryouts & Evaluations
Admission to Team Crux is tryout-based. We offer a 60-minute evaluation session with a coach to assess your athlete’s current skill level and determine if the competitive team is the right fit.
To schedule a tryout evaluation or for any questions, please contact Jordan Dawson (Crux HTX Program Manager) at jordan@cruxclimbingcenter.com.
FAQs About Registration & Onboarding
Q: My kid has never climbed before, is this a good program for a beginner climber?
A: This program is recommended for climbers with at least some climbing experience. We generally recommend the Rec Team (Ages 8–13) or Rec Team + (Ages 13–17) for inexperienced climbers.
Q: Can my athlete do a tryout before committing to the Team?
A: Yes! We offer a 60-minute private evaluation with a Team Crux coach to better assess the climber and determine if the comp team is a good fit. Email jordan@cruxclimbingcenter.com to schedule.
Q: How do I know if my athlete is in the 4:30 PM–6:30 PM session or the 6:30 PM–8:30 PM session?
A: Typically, athletes 12 and under will be in the 4:30 PM–6:30 PM session, while athletes 12+ will be in the 6:30 PM–8:30 PM session. Exceptions can be made for experienced climbers upon coach approval.
Q: Are there additional costs associated with Team Crux?
A: Monthly dues cover membership, practices, rental gear, and a shirt. Optional costs depending on competition involvement include a USA Climbing membership (~$105/yr), competition entry fees ($40–$60+ per event), gear packs, and outdoor trips.
Q: I’ve signed up my athlete, now what do I do?
A: You are all set! Just show up a few minutes early for the first session to ensure paperwork, payment, and waivers are up to date. Our front desk staff will help fit your athlete for shoes, and our coaches will meet them at the wall.
FAQs About Practice & The Team
Q: How many practices is my athlete expected to attend each week?
A: The ideal practice schedule is 3 times a week, though we understand that might not fit every family’s schedule. We recommend a flexible rate of 2–4 practices per week.
Q: Are practices mandatory?
A: Practices are always optional. We understand if athletes need to miss sessions on occasion; however, we strongly encourage regular attendance to maintain progress and team cohesion.
Q: Are practice shirts required?
A: Yes! For weekday practices, we ask that our team wears their Team Crux shirts so they are easily identified and build mutual respect within the gym community. Open attire is permitted on Saturdays (shirts must stay on at all times).
Q: Can my athlete come climb outside of the scheduled practice times?
A: Yes! Any youth program membership grants your child full facility access, allowing them to boulder at Crux Houston anytime during regular business hours.
Q: How do climbing competitions work?
A: Team Crux competes in the USA Climbing (USAC) circuit. Athletes compete in their age groups at Regional Qualifying Events across Texas and Louisiana, with opportunities to advance to Regional, Divisional, and National Championships!
Rec Team & Comp Team Outdoor Climbing Trips
Crux is thrilled to offer our young climbers the opportunity to take the skills they’ve honed in the gym and apply them to real rock outdoors!
As our Houston location grows, we will be joining our sister gyms for combined outdoor climbing adventures. These trips bring together recreational and competitive teams from all four Crux locations, creating a vibrant community experience where team members can connect, climb, and support one another on real rock.
All outdoor trips are guided and supervised by our experienced Crux climbing staff, and parents are always welcome to join as chaperones!
Please note: Space is limited for outdoor trips, and ticket registration is required to attend. If you have any questions regarding upcoming outdoor trips, please contact Jordan Dawson at jordan@cruxclimbingcenter.com.
Registration & Tryout Inquiries
Admission to Team Crux is by tryout or coach evaluation.
To schedule a tryout or inquire about team openings, please contact Jordan Dawson (Crux HTX Program Manager) at jordan@cruxclimbingcenter.com.
