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Education for everyone
From small group sessions to large-scale tournaments, our programs have reached youth in every corner of the world, breaking down barriers to education and empowering students with the skills to think critically, speak confidently, and lead boldly. Every number reflects a real student whose voice has grown stronger, and every branch represents a local team working to make debate education truly global.
5,980+
students taught
60+
core staff
300+
hours taught
23
countries
data as of May 2025
A tradition of excellence
At YDL, we pride ourselves on our entrepreneurial story. Founded in 2022 by Adam Han in Vancouver, our team has made leaps and bounds around the world, redefining what student-led organizations can accomplish on the world stage.
2022
Jan
Under Adam, the first YDL class opens for registration
May
Youth Debate League is officially incorporated with the federal government of Canada
Jun
Youth Debate League students participate in their first ever debate tournament - Ukraine Charity Cup Tournament
Jul
Youth Debate League accepts our first donation from Y-NSG for purposes of website creation
Sept
The YDL website is made public
Nov
Over 10 excellent coaches join YDL
2023
Feb
YDL marketing department is created
Feb
YDL teaches over 200 students
Mar
First season of YDL debate camp starts
Mar
YDL 2023 Spring Debate Tournament Hosted
Dec
YDL opens first Europe-division class
2024
Feb
YDL teaches first class in a collaboration program with a Canadian elementary school
2025
May
Owen Kan joins YDL as president of the youth division.
May
YDL students compete in the BC Youth Invitational tournament
Jun
International branches are restructured
Jul
The YDL website is rebranded
A legacy in pictures
Our impacts are real, because of our coaches and staff hundreds of students are able to access instruction where they live and learn.
Youth Debate League emphasizes the importance of physical learning as much as online mediums. We partner with schools, governments, and local authorities to provide engaging events, tournaments, and seminars for our students, wherever they may be. In these pictures, you are seeing classes, assemblies, and workshops our team hosts in public and private schools.
Our unique aim of providing equitable access to education often means we seek partnerships in marginalized and areas disenfranchised by the existing hegemonies in debate. YDL respects the unique contexts of different areas, and caters to cultural/social nuances while pushing for gender equality and empowerment for students holistically.
Through YDL coaches and affiliates, we brought students to tournaments and competitions, providing valuable hands-on experience opportunities for recognition. As of 2025, our students have won 237 Silver Medals, 182 Gold Medals, and 8 trophies across the world.
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