Competitive climbers in Wales have spoken about their desire to represent their country as part of its own national team.
It comes as one coach told CJS News a lack of funding is affecting the “talent pool” in the country.
Currently, Welsh climbers who want to compete at a national or international level must qualify through the English system for the regional or national squad.
They also rely on Sport England funding to help with costs for training camps and international competitions.
Gavin Long, who has coached young Welsh climbers for over a decade, said the lack of financial support is “shrinking the competition scene” in Wales.
There’s a lot of potential at the grass root level.
But if they can’t afford the coaching, they can’t afford the competitions, they can’t afford to travel, they can’t afford to find accommodation, they’re going to be pushed back.
As climbing is widely referred to as a “niche sport”, Sport Wales currently doesn’t fund it and instead prioritises traditional, established sports like rugby, football, and swimming.
But, the sport made its Olympic debut in 2021 at Tokyo and will be a permanent feature of the Games going forward.
Gavin said setting up a Welsh team would provide a “clear pathway” for athletes to develop and compete at higher levels.
The push for greater support comes as climbing’s profile rises internationally, with growing participation and increased recognition at the elite level.
Freya, a Welsh athlete who has competed in the Young Climbing Series, said the lack of a national team was limiting opportunities.
The England national team is a is a big team and there just is nothing for Wales.
In May 2022, Sport England awarded the British Mountaineering Council £2.79 million as part of its “Uniting the Movement” strategy to help grow climbing.
For Welsh climbers who compete with England, they have recently been able to wear a kit with Cymru on the back but Freya said it “doesn’t really mean much”.
She added she has seen how English climbers benefit from group training sessions and structured support, something Welsh athletes currently lack.
Sport Wales has been contacted but has not yet commented on whether funding could be made available.