NICAS Partners and Sponsors

Petzl is a leading manufacturer of climbing, mountaineering and safety equipment, known for its high-quality harnesses, helmets, ropes, and lighting solutions. With a strong focus on innovation, safety and performance, Petzl is trusted by climbers and outdoor professionals worldwide.

NICAS has partnered with Petzl to promote safety, education, and accessibility in climbing. Through this collaboration, NICAS aims to provide climbers of al ages with the knowledge to develop their skills in a safe and supportive environment. Petzl’s expertise in climbing gear and commitment to safety aligns perfectly with NICAS’s mission to inspire and educate the next generation of climbers.

Learn more about our Partnership with Petzl

Head Rush Technologies  is the industry leader in adventure and climbing safety equipment, best known for its innovative auto belay systems, including the world renowned TRUBLUE Auto Belay. With a sales and service centre in the UK’s climbing capital, Sheffield, Head Rush now offer a variety of service packages and expert technical support in best practices for utilising their devices. 

NICAS has partnered with Head Rush Technologies to enhance safety and accessibility in indoor climbing. By working together, our aim is to provide climbers of all ages with safe, high-quality equipment that encourages participation, progression, and confidence in the sport. This partnership supports NICAS’s mission to make climbing more inclusive while ensuring a safe learning environment for all participants.

Learn more about our Partnership with Head Rush Tech

EP Climbing is a world-leading manufacturer of climbing walls and holds, specialising in designing and building high-quality indoor and outdoor climbing structures. With decades of experience, EP Climbing creates innovative and durable climbing solutions for gyms, schools, and competition venues, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for climbers of all abilities.

NICAS is partnering with EP Climbing to enhance the accessibility and quality of climbing facilities around the world. This collaboration supports the development of well-designed, safe, and inspiring climbing environments that help climbers progress through NICAS programmes. By working together, NICAS and EP Climbing are fostering the next generation of climbers and promoting the long-term growth of the sport.

Learn more about our Partnership with EP Climbing

Clip ’n Climb is a global leader in fun, interactive climbing experiences, designed to make climbing accessible and exciting for people of all ages and abilities. Their innovative climbing challenges combine adventure with safety, using automatic belay systems to create a welcoming environment for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

NICAS is partnering with Clip ’n Climb to introduce more young people to climbing in a fun and engaging way. This collaboration helps bridge the gap between recreational climbing and structured skill development, encouraging participants to progress through NICAS pathways. By working together, NICAS and Clip ’n Climb are inspiring more young climbers, making the sport more inclusive, and promoting lifelong participation in climbing.

Learn more about our Partnership with Clip ‘n Climb

Clava is a UK-based company revolutionising climbing wall operations with cutting-edge software. They are empowering climbing facilities to focus on what truly matters — inspiring climbers and growing their communities.

At NICAS, we share Clava’s vision of making climbing more accessible and inclusive. Through this partnership, we’re working to support climbing centres in delivering all NICAS schemes more efficiently, ensuring that climbers of all abilities have the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence. By simplifying management tasks with Clava’s cutting-edge software, climbing walls can focus on delivering great experiences and growing their communities. Together, NICAS and Clava are enhancing accessibility, improving operations, and fostering a thriving climbing culture, reinforcing our dedication to the growth and diversification of the sport.

Learn more about our Partnership with Clava

Climbers Against Cancer (CAC) is a global charity that unites the climbing community in the fight against cancer. Founded by climber John Ellison, CAC raises funds for cancer research through the sale of merchandise and donations, while also raising awareness and fostering a sense of solidarity within the climbing world.

NICAS is a proud supporter of CAC, recognising the charity’s incredible work in making a difference through climbing. In turn, CAC supports NICAS by promoting inclusivity, resilience, and the positive impact of climbing on mental and physical wellbeing. This mutual support reflects a shared commitment to using climbing as a force for good—building strong communities, inspiring young climbers, and making a meaningful impact in people’s lives.

As part of our partnership, we’ll be working alongside CAC to support their “Climbing Beyond Cancer” initiative — ensuring that more people affected by cancer can find strength, resilience, and community through climbing.

Learn more about our Partnership with CAC

The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) is the national representative body for climbers, mountaineers, and hill walkers in England and Wales. They work to protect access to outdoor spaces, promote safety and good practice, and support the growth of climbing as a sport. The BMC also plays a key role in developing grassroots participation and advocating for climbers at all levels.

NICAS is a proud supporter of the BMC, sharing its commitment to making climbing accessible, safe, and enjoyable for all. In turn, the BMC supports NICAS by helping to promote structured climbing development, ensuring young climbers have the skills and knowledge to progress safely. This partnership strengthens the climbing community, inspiring the next generation and fostering a lifelong passion for the sport.

Access Sport is a UK-based charity dedicated to making sports more inclusive and accessible for disadvantaged and disabled young people. They work to break down barriers to participation by providing resources, coaching, and opportunities for communities that might otherwise struggle to engage in sports.

NICAS has partnered with Access Sport to make climbing more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of young people. This collaboration aims to introduce climbing to those who may face social, economic, or physical barriers, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the benefits of the sport, build confidence, and develop new skills in a supportive environment.

NICAS and Access Sport are proud to partner on the upcoming NICAS Ascend, a groundbreaking initiative designed to make climbing accessible for neurodivergent and disabled young people.

Learn more about our partnership with Access Sport

Sport England is a government-funded organisation dedicated to increasing participation in sport and physical activity across England. It supports grassroots initiatives, invests in facilities and programmes, and works to make sport accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities. Their goal is to improve physical and mental wellbeing through sport while fostering a more active nation.

NICAS has partnered with Sport England to expand access to indoor climbing, particularly for young people. This collaboration aims to break down barriers to participation, provide funding and resources for climbing facilities, and promote the sport’s benefits for physical and mental health. By working together, Sport England have agreed to award National Lottery Funding to NICAS Ascend, ensuring that more young people can experience the confidence, resilience and enjoyment that climbing offers.

View our Sport England Funded Partners

The Schools’ Enterprise Association (SEA) is an organisation dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, career development, and real-world learning opportunities for young people within the education system. They work with schools to provide students with valuable skills, experiences, and connections that help prepare them for future careers.

NICAS has partnered with The SEA to integrate climbing into educational and enterprise initiatives. This collaboration highlights the benefits of climbing in developing key life skills such as resilience, problem-solving, teamwork and confidence. By joining forces, NICAS and The SEA are committed to inspiring young people by providing unique opportunities to engage in climbing—both as a sport and as a stepping stone towards a career in the outdoor and leisure industries. Beyond participation, NICAS also supports schools with climbing walls, helping them enhance, revamp, and run their operations effectively, ensuring safe and exciting experiences for the next generation of climbers.

Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) is the professional body representing qualified climbing and mountaineering instructors across the UK and Ireland. AMI members are experts in teaching climbing and mountain skills, ensuring high standards of coaching, safety, and professionalism within the industry.

NICAS is a proud supporter of AMI, recognising the essential role its instructors play in developing climbers at all levels. In turn, AMI supports NICAS by promoting structured, high-quality coaching that helps young climbers progress safely and confidently. This partnership strengthens the link between indoor climbing education and professional instruction, inspiring the next generation of climbers while maintaining industry-leading standards.

UKC (UK Climbing) is the leading online resource for climbers in the UK, providing news, articles, gear reviews, forums, and a vast database of climbing routes. As a key platform for the climbing community, UKC connects climbers of all levels, promotes discussion, and shares valuable insights about the sport.

NICAS is a proud supporter of UKC, recognising its role in fostering a knowledgeable and engaged climbing community. In turn, UKC supports NICAS by helping to spread awareness of indoor climbing education, encouraging young climbers to develop their skills through structured learning. This partnership helps promote climbing as an accessible and rewarding sport while strengthening the climbing community as a whole.

Core Climbing is a leading UK-based manufacturer of high-quality climbing holds, volumes and safety flooring. Known for their innovation and craftsmanship, Core Climbing designs durable and engaging products that enhance climbing experiences in gyms and training facilities. Their inventive safety flooring provides superior impact absorption, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring a safer environment for climbers of all levels.

NICAS is proud to work with Core Climbing, recognising their commitment to safety, quality, and innovation in climbing facilities. By supporting the development of safer and more engaging climbing spaces, this partnership helps NICAS provide young climbers with the best possible environment to learn, progress, and enjoy the sport with confidence.

Kong Climbing ltd is a UK-based company with over 22 years experience and a strong reputation in the climbing industry, offering climbing wall design and build, hold manufacturing, wall maintenance, and staff training. With a deep understanding of the industry and a commitment to quality and safety, Kong supports a wide range of climbing facilities across the UK. Their passion for climbing and dedication to supporting the development of inclusive, high-quality climbing environments makes them a valuable part of the climbing community.

We’re proud to have Kong Climbing as a NICAS Sponsor, and are thrilled to share that their first-year pledge of £1,000 has gone directly into our NICAS Ascend Crowdfunder, helping us bring this pioneering scheme to life. Their support is helping us break down barriers for disabled and neurodivergent climbers, and their shared commitment to accessibility, training, and industry best practice makes them an ideal partner.