Do you want to join the Dutch National Debate Team?
On the 4th of June 2022 we will host our selection event for students who are interested in joining the national selection of high school debaters.
During this day you will receive workshops in public speaking and argumentation, followed by debates that will be judged by the coaches of the national team. This event is the gateway for students who want to enter the global debate scene. After the event, the most promising students will be invited to join the national selection of high school debaters.
Open Day June 2022
At this unique event on the 4th of June you will get coaching and feedback from our coaches. The location of the event will be announced shortly. Our coaches have travelled all over the globe to perfect their debating and coaching skills and want to help you become a better debater.
Apply by filling in this form!
Who can apply?
All high school students graduating in 2023 or later can apply, also if you have attended a previous Open Day. We particularly encourage younger students to apply. We have special teams for students from Klas 1 to 3 (HAVO/VWO) / Grade 7 to 9 (IB). Note that previous debating experience is not a prerequisite for applying. If you are eager to learn, we can teach you!
We will begin the day with a workshop followed by three debates that will be judged by our coaches. After the event the most promising students will be invited to join the National Debate team.
For attending our Open Day, we would like to ask you for a donation to our Solidarity Fund. Our Solidarity Fund is used to fund students’ participation in our program who would otherwise not be able to afford to. If you can, please transfer €15 for your participation. Transfer details will be provided when you are invited to attend the Open Day.
Practical information
Not convinced yet?
What happens when you get selected for the national team?
1. Weekly workshops
To provide our students with the best debate education we host weekly training sessions. At these sessions groups of 6 to 12 students receive an entire day of personalized training from 2 to 5 coaches. The students are given well-prepared workshops and develop their skills with relevant exercises and debates.
2. International Tournaments
Our students travel all over the world to attend international debating competitions in order to practice their skills to the fullest extent and receive the best preparation for the National Team. The tournaments are a fantastic opportunity for the debaters to experience new cultures, travel, and debate against the best teams of the world.
3. World Schools Debating Championships
Out of all the students in the national selection, 4 to 5 are selected to represent The Netherlands at the World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC), where over 60 countries compete against each other in heated debates. The championships are hosted all over the world with the most recent editions held in Thailand (2019), Croatia (2018), Indonesia (2017), Germany (2016) and Singapore (2015).
