We’re excited to announce the Bar Monkey Youth Calisthenics Competition 2026, taking place at Bar Monkey Ballybrack on Saturday, December 5th.

This exciting event brings our young athletes together for a day of participation, performance and friendly competition, giving everyone the opportunity to showcase their progress, build confidence and challenge themselves in a positive and supportive environment.

With three competition levels, there’s something for athletes at different stages of their calisthenics journey, from recreational team challenges to qualification for the Irish National Championships.

📍 EVENT DETAILS

Location: Bar Monkey Ballybrack
Date: Saturday, December 5th, 2026
Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Entry Fee: €20 per athlete
Eligibility: Bar Monkey Members
Registration Deadline: Thursday, October 29th, 2026

💪 COMPETITION LEVELS

We will be running three competition levels to give athletes of different ages and abilities the opportunity to take part.

🔹 LEVEL 1 – Recreational Team Competition

Age Group: 7-10 years

Perfect for our younger athletes, Level 1 focuses on fundamental strength, stability and balance through five challenges:

• Maximum Push-Ups
• Maximum Pull-Ups
• Dead Hang (Timed)
• Frog Stand (Timed)
• Bridge (Timed)

Athletes will compete in teams, with partners assigned based on their regular class groups. Every athlete contributes points towards their team’s overall score, with a winning team announced at the end of the competition.

🔹 LEVEL 1.5 – Recreational Skills Team Competition

Age Group: 7-14 years

Level 1.5 introduces athletes to more advanced strength, static holds and dynamic movements. The competition includes five challenges:

Static Holds (Scored for Time)

• Elbow Lever (ages 7-10) or Handstand (ages 11-14)
• One-Leg Back Lever
• Tuck Front Lever
• L-Sit

Dynamic Movement

• One dynamic movement of choice from the movement progression chart, with points awarded according to difficulty.

Athletes will be assigned to teams following registration, with individual performances contributing towards their team’s overall result. A winning team will be announced on the day.

🔹 LEVEL 2 – Irish Nationals Regional Qualifier

Eligibility: Athletes currently participating in Level 2 classes.

Our Level 2 competition takes things to the next stage, giving athletes the opportunity to compete for qualification to the Irish National Calisthenics Championships.

Each athlete will perform an individual 90-second freestyle routine, demonstrating their technical ability, creativity and performance skills.

Competition Age Categories

• Under 10 – Male & Female
• Under 12 – Male & Female
• Under 14 – Male & Female
• Over 14 – Male & Female

The top three athletes in each male and female age category will automatically qualify for the Irish National Championships.

Qualification isn’t limited to podium finishes. Athletes who achieve the required performance scores may also qualify, even if they finish outside the top three.

🏆 TEAMWORK & COMPETITION

For Levels 1 and 1.5, athletes compete as part of a team, with their individual performances contributing towards the overall team score.

It’s a great opportunity to encourage teamwork, support classmates and celebrate progress together.

Level 2 athletes compete individually, demonstrating their freestyle abilities and competing for places at the Irish National Championships.

🌟 WHAT TO EXPECT

• A fun, welcoming competition environment
• Opportunities to demonstrate new skills
• Teamwork and encouragement
• A chance to build competition experience
• National qualification opportunities for Level 2 athletes

Whether this is your child’s first competition or they’re working towards the national stage, we’re looking forward to celebrating their hard work and achievements.

❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which level should my child enter?

Level 1 is for ages 7-10, Level 1.5 is for ages 7-14, and Level 2 is for athletes currently attending Level 2 classes. If you’re unsure, speak to your child’s coach.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! Level 1 is designed around fundamental skills and is an excellent introduction to competition.

How are the teams chosen?

Level 1 teams are based on regular class groups. Level 1.5 teams will be assigned following registration.

Can Level 2 athletes qualify for Nationals?

Yes! The top three in each male and female age category qualify automatically. Athletes achieving the required performance scores may also qualify.

What should my child bring?

Comfortable training clothes, a water bottle and plenty of energy!

When does registration close?

October 29th, 2026. This allows us to finalise trophies and event arrangements in advance.

Will we receive more information before the event?

Yes. Further details about schedules, scoring and event arrangements will be shared with registered athletes ahead of the competition.

We’re looking forward to seeing our young athletes challenge themselves, support each other and show just how far they’ve come!

Let’s make Ballybrack a fantastic day of calisthenics! 💥