The Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) has made amateur football one of its leading priorities, stating that "the development of football starts with amateur clubs" at a conference organised to assist grassroots sides.

Held under the banner of responding to developments, the gathering in Amsterdam on 17 November involved board directors from amateur clubs. The KNVB and various guest speakers gave presentations on policy issues handled by Dutch football's governing body, while information stands covered sectors such as football for the over-45s, girls and women's football, cerebral palsy football, KNVB beach soccer, and club management and support.

Underlining its commitment to helping amateur clubs in the Netherlands, Ruud Bruijnis, director of the KNVB amateur department, said: "We have been in constant contact with clubs, either visiting them or via the internet, and would like to extend that process through this congress.

"Football is for everyone," he continued. "That was also made clear by our commercial director Jean Paul Decossaux – the KNVB realises better than anyone that it is not just about the Dutch national team. The development of football starts with amateur clubs. And because society is changing, the KNVB is constantly where needs and opportunities are to be found."