Clubs commit to Eredivisie

ADO Den Haag, AZ Alkmaar, SC Heerenveen, FC Twente, FC Utrecht and Willem II have all agreed to take part in the first three seasons of the new Dutch women's Eredivisie to start next autumn.

UEFA chance
The six teams will compete in what will initially be a closed league without promotion or relegation with the first champions to enter the 2008/09 UEFA Women's Cup. Previously the highest division of Dutch female football was the amateur Hoofklasse, but the introduction of a women's Eredivisie is seen as a platform from which the national game can grow. Each of the Eredivisie clubs will be linked with a current Hoofklasse side to ensure the development of new talent, but the new league will not be professional at first, players only receiving expenses.

Coaches
Each club will be free to choose their own coach, though the Royal Netherlands Football Associatin (KNVB) will offer specialist women's trainers including national Under-19 chief Ed Engelkes, U17 leader Hesterine de Reus, U15 manager Maria van Kortenhof and some regional coaches. The squads will be formed in the coming months after regional trials.

National team
Netherlands women's coach Vera Pauw is charged with developing the Dutch female game and oversaw an improved FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying campaign which began with a shock win in France. Although they lost twice to England in that group, this month they beat the same opposition in a friendly in Swindon to set themselves up for their tough UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ qualifying opener against Germany on 12 April.

'Dream comes true'
Pauw said: "Until now, we were just not able to qualify for the finals of international tournaments, and with this project I am convinced we will qualify for EURO 2009. A dream lasting 25 years now comes true." KNVB director of professional football, Henk Kesler, added: "It is an adventure, but everyone believes in it. That is why this will be a success. I think it is a beautiful development."