The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) has granted permission for women to play in a senior men’s team, a ground-breaking scheme that was announced on Tuesday.
First beneficiary, Ellen Fokkema, 19, has been confirmed as the first female player to participate in the newly launched programme when she features for VV Foarut’s first team for the 2020/21 season in fourth division of Dutch football league.
Mixed football is now allowed in the Netherlands up to U-19 level but based on the results of this pilot scheme, the KNVB will evaluate whether there is a good basis for allowing women and men to play in category A, and to permanently amend the regulations.
Dutch football development chief, Art Langeler said the decision to formally introduce the development is due to the numerous request received every year while adding that the scheme could be further enhanced if the inaugural one proves successful.
“Every year there is a request from an association to let a woman play football in their first men’s team. Langeler said.
“The KNVB stands for diversity and equality, we believe that there should be room for everyone in every way in football.
“In these cases there is a nice sporting challenge that we do not want to block, that is why we are starting this pilot. Experience will tell if and how it works and based on that, we could apply a change of regulation.”
He added that women will be allowed to play mixed football with men up to U-19 level, saying: “In my opinion it is special that girls at all levels can play mixed football, but as soon as boys move on from under-19 to Category A of the men, they have to play football without the woman in their team.”
Fokkema has also reacted joyfully to the news, the youngster said: “I’ve been playing with these guys since I was five.. It is quite a challenge, but that only excites me more. I asked the club if something was possible and together we submitted the request to the KNVB.
“My teammates also reacted enthusiastically that I can stay with them. I dare not say how it will go, but I am very happy anyway that I can participate in this pilot.”
