Teams of middle and high school-aged students are challenged to design, build, and program a robot to play a floor game against other teams creations.
It's way more than building robots. FIRST Tech Challenge teams (up to 15 team members, ages 12 - 18) are challenged to design, build, program, and operate robots to compete in a head-to-head challenge in an alliance format.
Guided by adult coaches and mentors, students develop STEM skills and practice engineering principles, while realizing the value of hard work, innovation, and working as a team. The robot kit is reusable from year to year and can be coded using a variety of levels of Java-based programming. Teams design and build robots, raise funds, design and market their team brand, and do community outreach to earn specific awards.
The really cool thing about FTC is that all skill levels are welcomed and needed, technical or non-technical. Students and adult team members are encouraged to bring any skills they already have, like coding, electronics, metalworking, graphic design, web creation, public speaking, videography, and more. Adult coaches guide students as they gain skills and confidence in a sportive, inclusive environment.
Each season concludes with regional championship events and an exciting FIRST World Championship.
General season planning
| Team registration | 1 June - 1 October |
| Worldwide Kickoff | 2nd Saterday in September |
| Sign up for League Meets | September/October |
| Startup Meeting (rookie) teams | October |
| League Meet Round 1* | November/December |
| League Meet Round 2* | January |
| League Championship Benelux | Februari |
| FIRST World Championship | April |
* Each team participates in one League Meet in round 1 and one League Meet in round 2.
FTC Netherlands