What happens when something people love becomes a billion-dollar business? You don’t need to know anything about football—or sports at all—to recognise the tension between passion and profit. The recent World Cup reignited arguments about whether major sporting events have become as much about money, sponsors, broadcasting rights and political influence as the competition itself, alongside continuing controversies and allegations around corruption. But would the enormous sporting spectacles we know today even be possible without business behind them? Does commercialisation destroy something beautiful—or provide the money that allows it to flourish? And can an industry involving this much money and power ever realistically be free from corruption?

Join Clayton, an international award-winning debater and debate coach, for a lively debate using sport as a fascinating case study for much bigger questions about money, fairness, culture and power. You’ll tackle motions such as “The commercialisation of sport has done more harm than good,” “Major sporting events should never be hosted for profit,” and “Professional athletes are paid too much,” while learning to build arguments, challenge assumptions and respond persuasively to opposing views. Whether you’re a passionate sports fan or couldn’t name five football players if your life depended on it, you’ll have plenty to argue about. No sports knowledge or debate experience is necessary—just bring your opinions, curiosity and willingness to defend a side.

当人们热爱的东西变成一个十亿美元的生意时，会发生什么？你完全不需要懂足球——甚至不需要懂体育——就能看出激情和利润之间那股张力。最近的世界杯再次点燃了争论：大型体育赛事是不是已经变得跟比赛本身一样，甚至更多是关于钱、赞助商、转播权和政治影响力？同时还有围绕腐败的持续争议和指控。但如果没有商业在背后撑着，我们今天看到的那些盛大体育场面还可能存在吗？商业化是毁掉了某种美好的东西——还是提供了让它繁荣起来的钱？而一个涉及这么多金钱和权力的行业，真的有可能完全远离腐败吗？

加入Clayton——国际获奖辩手和辩论教练——来一场热闹的辩论，把体育当作一个引人入胜的案例，去探讨关于金钱、公平、文化和权力的更大问题。你会讨论诸如“体育商业化弊大于利”“大型体育赛事绝不该以盈利为目的举办”“职业运动员薪水过高”这样的动议，同时学习构建论点、挑战假设，以及有说服力地回应反对观点。无论你是狂热的体育迷，还是拼了命也说不出一支球队五个球员的名字，你都会有很多可以争论的。不需要任何体育知识或辩论经验——只要带上你的观点、好奇心，以及愿意为某一方辩护的心。