Hoofdklasse

Hoofdklasse, meaning “Main Class” in Dutch, is the highest level of amateur football in the Netherlands, organized by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB). It sits below the professional tiers of Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie, and is part of the national league system. Since 2016 it is the fifth tier overall, following structural changes to Dutch football.

Historically, the Hoofdklasse was the top amateur league. In 2010, the Topklasse was introduced as the new top amateur division, pushing the Hoofdklasse down a level. In 2016, the Topklasse was renamed Derde Divisie, and the Hoofdklasse became the fifth tier of the overall system.

The Hoofdklasse is divided into several divisions, traditionally labeled A, B, C and D, with further alignment by the day of play and region. In practice, many divisions are split into groups for Saturday and Sunday clubs, reflecting long-standing club traditions in Dutch amateur football. Clubs in the Hoofdklasse compete on weekends, with the exact schedule determined by KNVB regulations and regional associations.

Promotion from the Hoofdklasse is possible to the Derde Divisie (the tier above the Hoofdklasse after 2016), typically through promotion playoffs involving top teams from the Hoofdklasse divisions. Relegation occurs to the Eerste Klasse, the next lower level in the pyramid. The composition of divisions and playoff formats can change with KNVB reorganizations or regionally based decisions.

As an amateur competition, the Hoofdklasse emphasizes a balance between sporting competition and community club culture. It serves as a platform for clubs to develop players and compete at a high level within the Netherlands’ broader football structure.