who we are.
We are the SUMC: Staffordshire University Mountaineering Club!
Were a group of anyone who are probably interested in climbing but even if you’re not a big climber our club can be a great way to meet new people. We love to include everyone whether you’re an experienced climber or brand new.
Training Times and Locations
Below training sessions are all included with membership to the club:
Mondays 18:00 - 20:00 @ Kilnworx Climbing Centre - Meet outside the Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre at 17:30, transport provided to and from Kilnworx.
Fridays 17:00 - 19:00 @ Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre - Meet either in the reception area or in the sports hall next to the climbing wall.
We are based solely in the stoke campus as that’s were we have our own wall and are partnered with kilnworx climbing centre to provide sessions.
What we do
We regularly hold climbing sessions at our own wall, situated in the Sir Stanley Matthews Sports Centre at the Stoke Campus of the university, we're also holding weekly training sessions at Kilnworx Climbing Centre, an external venue which offers top rope climbing, lead climbing, bouldering and a training and weights room, all included in your membership!
Please follow our Instagram page @staffs_mountaineering to keep up to date and after you’ve bought membership you’ll be added to a Facebook group chat for this years members too.
Trips
We are looking at trying to incorporate trips back into our club. This year were hoping to be able to do one residential to an activity centre to try different roped activities. But we are also look into small local trips in and around stoke. These may be at an additional cost to make these trips reality.
Socials
We pride our club on some social aspects by creating a friendly and incusive space it’s a great club to just come chill and chat to your friends. We also try to encourage going to ember lounge for drinks and food after sessions so members can really get to know each other. We will be putting on some more socials outside of the club sessions like going to gobble, flashback and other union events .
How much does it cost?
The membership for the 23/24 year will be £68.
This covers two weekly sessions at both Kilnworx and our Friday sessions on campus, this also covers your transport to kilnworx.
We do not cover any gear you want to purchase for yourself or socials like going to ember lounge or gobble. Trips may also be at a personal expense and are NOT mandatory to the club
The Students Union also requires that you purchase a standard £3 sports insurance fee, which covers you for all sports societies and clubs within the Student Union, and only needs to be bought once. THIS IS INCLUDED IN YOUR MEMBERSHIP FEE
FAQ’s:
What do I need to join?
Other than a willingness to have a go, nothing! We recommend coming to one of the Give it a Go sessions we hold during the first week of term (come to our sports and societies fair for details on give it a go sessions) to see if you enjoy it! Best thing to wear would be some comfortable, baggy clothes and trainers, so gym clothes or even jogging bottoms and a hoodie would be fine.
Do I need to own any equipment?
You don’t need to bring anything with you! The club boasts a good range of kit.
Do I need to be physically fit to join?
No! Anyone can join and take part in activities regardless of fitness level. Certain medical issues may prevent you from taking part in some activities, so if this is a concern please contact us and we can advise you accordingly.
I am disabled, can I still join?
We can try our best to accommodate you but
At the present time, we do not have the correct equipment to help wheelchair users or severely disabled students climb safely As above, if this is a concern please contact us and we can advise you accordingly.
Do you do any trips?
We have struggled to provide trips for the past few years but this year the new committee is working hard to try provide one overnight residential and some local day trips.
Do you have social events that aren’t to do with climbing?
We do! Throughout the year we hold various socials, including (but by no means limited to) movie nights, house parties, meals out and much more! Basically, if there’s an idea for a social and enough people want to do it, we’ll try to get it organised!
Do you compete in competitions?
Yes the main competition we do every year is varsity but we are looking to do more.
The Committee Members for 2023-2024
Ellie Ratcliffe - Chairman
Bonita Woralert - Finance
Molly Holmes - Comms
Interested in joining the club? Get in contact with us on our Instagram @staffs_mountaineering