Voetbalbond

Voetbalbond is the Dutch term for a football association, the governing body responsible for amateur and professional association football within a country or region. Such federations organize competitions, oversee national teams, and set rules and standards for governance, development, and integrity of the sport. They work with clubs, referees, coaches, and leagues to promote participation and fair play.

Typically a voetbalbond is a member of larger international organizations, such as FIFA and the relevant continental confederation, and represents its members in decision making. It grants licenses to clubs, referees, and coaches, and enforces disciplinary codes. It also runs development programs, coaching education, youth leagues, and efforts to improve stadium safety and anti-doping compliance.

Most voetbalbonden have a hierarchical structure with district or regional associations, affiliated clubs, and a central governance board elected by members. They hold annual meetings, publish rules, and allocate funding for development and grassroots initiatives.

An example is the Koninklijke Nederlandse Voetbalbond (KNVB), the Dutch national football federation. Founded in 1889 as the Nederlandsche Voetbal Bond, it later received the Royal designation. The KNVB oversees the national teams and the professional and amateur leagues in the Netherlands, including the Eredivisie, the Eerste Divisie, and the KNVB Cup. It is a member of FIFA and UEFA and is headquartered in Zeist, where it coordinates coaching, refereeing, and youth development.