The Northern Ireland Schools Speech & Debate Association (NISSDA) supports debating and public speaking in schools across Northern Ireland.
We run annual open trials to select and train Team Northern Ireland for the International Competition for Young Debaters (ICYD), the World Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) and other international tournaments, preparing young debaters to represent Northern Ireland on the world stage.
In addition, we identify pupils with exceptional potential and nurture their abilities through a dedicated Developmental Team. The team competes at various international tournaments and undergoes rigorous training to prepare its members for selection to the World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) team.
We also organise competitions and workshops for both pupils and teachers, providing opportunities for learning, skill development, and engagement with the wider debating community.
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Yes. We run annual open selection trials and organise training for the pupils selected to represent Northern Ireland at WSDC, ICYD and other international tournaments.
Absolutely. We welcome suggestions and opportunities to collaborate on debating and public speaking programmes. Please contact us through this link.
Of course. As an ultimately community-led organisation, we hope as many people in the public speaking and debating circuits can join us as possible, to help sustain the activities we all cherish.
2021: Established by a diverse group of debate and speech coaches and enthusiasts, with extensive experience in non-profit debate education across the world.
