A team of Bermuda teenagers are currently battling it out at a debating competition in Toronto, Canada.

The five member crew, all members of the National Debating Society's junior debating team, flew out on Wednesday as guests of St. Andrew's College. They will be taking part in five debating competitions against the college and speech presentation against other schools throughout Ontario before flying back to the Island tomorrow.

The team consists of Sarita Ebbin, 13, and Erica Lipschultz, 13, both of Saltus Grammar School, Stephanie Outerbridge, 12, of Spice Valley Middle School, Andrew Stoneham, 14, of Sandys Secondary Middle School and John McKenna, 13, of Warwick Academy. Reserves are Aisha Bassett, 13, of Saltus Grammar School and Marc Mitchell, 13, of Sandys Secondary Middle School.

Although the team will not know the topic of two of the debates, the other three will be on the millennium bug, affirmative action and global culture.

The Junior Debating Society, which is made up of about 20 students under 15 from school across the Island, meets once a week during term time to practice their debating skills.

Team coach Dr. Judith Landsberg said: "It's very good for the students' confidence because they have to stand up and speak for five minutes.

"But it's also good for their general knowledge -- there aren't many kids who can stand up and talk about the millennium bug.'' Team member Stephanie Outerbridge, who became hooked on the debating game last year following a competition within her school, agreed.

"It's going to be a really great experience,'' she said. "I have got to meet other people and learn new things. I talk a lot and like to argue so debating helps me to organise my arguments. Team colleague Sarita Ebbin added: "Debating has helped me generally, not just in my confidence but also in my school work, especially English. It's helped me become more creative and helps me to explain my ideas better.'' The debating team played hosts to St.

Andrew's College last year and ran out 3-2 winners of the competition.

And it is hoped that the head to head will become an annual event, with St.

Andrew's students being invited to return to the Island later this year for another re-match.