YYDS - WS2025 is now open for registration.
The Yearning Youth Debate Series (YYDS) is a collection of best student-led debate competitions founded by a group of enthusiastic debaters with the aim to promote the craft of argument and critical thinking. Inspired by the Yoder Youth Debate Society (YYDS)—a student-focused debate club—the project aims to make World Schools and British Parliamentary debating styles accessible to more individuals. By sponsoring high-level debate competitions, we wish to encourage the debaters of the next generation and thinkers—to equip them with the instruments necessary to address tough problems and plead for transformation in an evolving world.
While YYDS is organized by students, we have the guidance and support of experienced mentors to ensure a well-structured, fair, and professional tournament. This balance allows for a fun and engaging debate environment without compromising on security, equity, and fairness. (Also, better meals?)
As a student-led competition, we ensure that motions are directly relevant to students' lives, rather than forcing debaters to engage with abstract or overly niche topics that may feel disconnected from their experiences.
Our goal is to make World Schools and British Parliamentary formats more accessible to all. We achieve this by offering affordable workshops and a novice break category, ensuring that new debaters can adapt and thrive in the format.
YYDS is founded by students who have competed in numerous tournaments and experienced both the best and worst aspects of different events. This competition is designed to highlight the best elements while actively eliminating common issues found in other tournaments.
Unlike some tournaments where only a few top teams walk away with awards, YYDS believes in recognizing more participants. We aim to provide as many trophies and medals as possible, ensuring that more debaters feel acknowledged for their hard work.
We have integrated key elements from several renowned tournaments (e.g., TSDC, TIDO, FBPO, WSC, NIFTy, TENT, WDO, NSDA etc.) to create an environment that feels familiar yet distinct, allowing participants to compete with confidence while enjoying the best aspects of multiple debate circuits.
The Yoder Youth Debate Series (YYDS) was established with the vision of fostering a dynamic and intellectually stimulating debate culture among students. As a student-led initiative, our primary goal is to make competitive debating more accessible while empowering young minds with the skills needed to engage in critical discussions on global issues.
Our Purpose
Promote Debate Excellence – Cultivate a high-standard debate environment where participants can refine their logical reasoning, public speaking, and argumentation skills.
Expand Debate Accessibility – Provide students from all backgrounds the opportunity to experience World Schools and British Parliamentary debate formats, ensuring that competitive debate is not limited to a select few.
Encourage Intellectual Growth – Challenge participants to think critically, analyze diverse perspectives, and develop persuasive communication skills essential for academic and professional success.
Our Goals
Host High-Quality Debate Tournaments – Organize YYDS competitions that uphold fairness, rigorous adjudication, and enriching debate experiences.
Build a Thriving Debate Community – Create a supportive network where debaters, judges, and mentors can connect, exchange ideas, and grow together.
Promote Equity & Inclusivity in Debate – Ensure that YYDS remains an open platform for all students, regardless of experience level, background, or institution.
Foster Future Leaders & Advocates – Inspire debaters to use their skills beyond competitions—applying them to leadership, advocacy, and real-world problem-solving.
Through YYDS, we aim to empower the next generation of thinkers, speakers, and changemakers, equipping them with the confidence and skills to shape the world through reasoned discourse and informed decision-making.
Yoder Youth Debate Society
Yoder Youth Debate Society
Yoder Youth Debate Society
Yoder Youth Debate Society
Join Us!!!
Passionate about debate? Ready to shape a tournament that’s fun, fair, and truly student-driven? Join us as an organizer at YYDS and help create an unforgettable debate experience!