The North Face has launched a new athlete development program that will offer 15-20 participants an exclusive sponsorship deal, in a bid to “foster emerging” talent.
Emerging athletes in climbing, skiing, snowboarding, trail running and alpinism, will have the opportunity to earn a two-year contract with the clothing brand, which will include funding, gear, education and one-to-one mentorship.
The brand’s initiative is part of the company’s ten-year investment in supplying access and funds in the outdoors through their “Explore Fund”.
“Growing up, I was never financially stable and have thought a lot about how much easier my path to sponsorship would have been with better support from sponsors,” The North Face athlete and development programme advisor Erik Leon said.
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Educators, community members and athletes alike are aiding the brand with its selection process, set to take place in Spring 2022.
The North Face global brand vice president Mike Ferris added: “We look to inspire younger explorers and cultivate a more inclusive outdoor community.”
“We must accelerate the recruitment of athletic talent to better reflect the makeup of the next generation.”
The company sponsors over 150 international athletes and creators including Jimmy Chin, Alex Honnold, Hilaree Nelson, Margo Hayes, Austin Smith, and Jess Kimura.
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