How to Get a Football Trial in the Netherlands (Pro Guide)

Tue Jul 21 2026

Playing in the land of "Total Football" is a dream for any intelligent player. The Netherlands has produced some of the game's greatest talents and tactical minds, and its top leagues, the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie, are famous for developing players before selling them on to the biggest clubs in the world. For a young, technical footballer, it represents one of the best places in Europe to refine your game. But how do you actually get a foot in the door?

Unlike some other leagues, the Dutch pathway isn't about brute force or physicality. It’s about being smart, technically clean, and tactically versatile. If that sounds like you, then getting a football trial in the Netherlands could be the perfect target. Here’s a realistic guide on how to make it happen.

Understanding the Dutch Football Pyramid

First, you need to know where to aim. The professional structure in the Netherlands is unique and offers real opportunities for young players.

• Eredivisie: This is the top flight, home to giants like Ajax, PSV Eindhoven, and Feyenoord. The technical level is exceptionally high. Getting a trial here directly without a top-tier CV or a very strong agent is nearly impossible.
• Eerste Divisie (Keuken Kampioen Divisie): This is the second professional tier and, for many foreign players, the most realistic target. What’s unique is that it includes several "Jong" (youth) teams from the top Eredivisie clubs, like Jong Ajax and Jong PSV. This means you could be playing against the next generation of Dutch superstars every week. The level is still very high and fully professional.
• Tweede Divisie: This is the highest amateur league, sitting just below the two professional tiers. It’s semi-professional, and while the pay isn't life-changing, it is a fantastic and highly respected platform. A dominant season here will get you noticed by clubs in the Eerste Divisie.
• Derde Divisie & Below: These are regional amateur leagues. While still competitive, they are a step down but can serve as a starting point for a player needing to adapt to the Dutch game.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to a Dutch Trial

Getting a trial in the Netherlands requires a smart, targeted approach. Blasting out generic emails won't work. You need to prove you have the specific qualities they value.

1. Assess Your Level & (Crucially) Your Passport

Be honest with yourself. Have you played at the highest possible level in your country? If not, aiming for the Eredivisie is a waste of time. The Eerste Divisie is a more attainable goal for strong players from outside the top European leagues.

Your passport is the most important factor. Here’s the reality:

• EU/EEA Passport Holders: You have the right to live and work in the Netherlands. This gives you a massive advantage. You can trial with clubs in any division without them needing to worry about complex paperwork.
• Non-EU/EEA Passport Holders: This is where it gets tough. To sign a professional contract as a non-EU player in the Netherlands, the club must pay you a high minimum salary set by the Dutch FA (KNVB) and Immigration Service (IND). For players 20 years and older, this is around €440,000 per year (gross), and for players aged 18-19, it's about half of that. Eredivisie clubs can afford this for a top talent, but Eerste Divisie clubs rarely can. Therefore, as a non-EU player, you must be so exceptional that a top-flight club is willing to invest that sum in you.

2. Craft a Dutch-Style Player Package

Your CV and video must be tailored to what Dutch clubs want to see. Generic materials will be ignored.

• Your Football CV: Keep it to one page. List your clubs, stats (appearances, goals, assists), and key athletic metrics. Include your Transfermarkt link. You can use our guide on how to create a football CV to get it right.
• Your Highlight Video: This is your most important tool. Dutch coaches value game intelligence above all else. Don't just show goals and skills. Your video MUST include full-game footage that shows:
  • Your first touch under pressure.
  • Your decision-making (when to pass, when to dribble).
  • Your movement off the ball to create space.
  • Your defensive positioning and awareness.
  • Your passing range and accuracy.

Keep it short (3-5 minutes) and put your best actions in the first 30 seconds. A bad video is worse than no video.

3. Identify and Target the Right Clubs

Focus your energy on the Eerste Divisie and Tweede Divisie. Research every club. Go to their website and find the name of the Hoofd Jeugdopleiding (Head of Youth Development) or the Technisch Directeur (Technical Director). Some smaller clubs may even list the first-team coach.

Look for clubs that have a history of signing foreign players or giving young talent a chance. Avoid sending your info to the general "info@" email address; it will likely be deleted. Personalize your approach.

4. Write a Professional Email

When contacting clubs, be concise and professional. Write in English (or Dutch if you can).

1. Subject Line: Make it clear and professional. E.g., "Professional Player Seeking Trial: [Your Name], [Your Position], [EU Passport/Non-EU]"
2. Introduction: State your name, age, nationality, position, and current situation in the first sentence.
3. Your Value: Briefly explain why you are targeting the Netherlands, mentioning that you believe your technical style and tactical understanding would be a good fit for the Dutch game.
4. Links: Provide clear links to your CV, Transfermarkt profile, and highlight video.
5. Closing: Thank them for their time and consideration. Keep the entire email to under 150 words.

What Dutch Scouts and Coaches Really Look For

When a Dutch coach watches your video or sees you in a trial, they are weighing you against a very specific set of criteria. It’s not just about being a "good player."

• Technical Excellence: Your first touch has to be clean. You must be comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces and able to play one and two-touch football.
• Tactical Intelligence: Do you understand the system? Can you rotate positions? Do you know when to press and when to drop? They want to see your football brain in action.
• Positional Versatility: Players who can comfortably play in multiple positions or roles are highly valued in the Dutch system.
• Coachability: They will watch your attitude closely. Do you listen to instructions? Can you adapt to new tactical requests quickly? Arrogance or a poor attitude will get you sent home immediately.
• Physicality for the System: You don’t need to be a giant, but you must be fit enough for a high-pressing, fluid system. This means excellent stamina and quick recovery sprints.

FAQ: Getting a Trial in the Netherlands

Can I get a trial in the Netherlands if I'm a non-EU player?

Yes, but it is extremely difficult. Because of the high minimum salary requirements imposed by the government, a club must see you as an elite talent to sign you. You almost certainly need a top agent with connections in the Eredivisie to even get a serious look. The Eerste Divisie is not a realistic target for most non-EU players due to these salary rules.

What is the best time of year to look for a trial?

The main trial windows are during the pre-season (June-August) and the winter break (December-January). However, you should be sending your materials to clubs from March/April onwards for the summer window.

Are there open football trials in the Netherlands?

No, professional clubs like Ajax, PSV, or any club in the top two divisions do not hold open trials for the public. Any organization advertising "Open Trials for Ajax" is likely a scam or a private training camp with no official connection to the club. Be very careful and do your research before paying any money.

Getting a trial in the Netherlands is tough, but for the right type of player, it is one of the most rewarding environments to develop in. The focus on technical skill and tactical knowledge means you will become a better, smarter footballer. It requires a professional approach, a bit of luck, and a clear understanding of where you fit in.

Get your CV and highlight video in order, do your research, and start contacting clubs. You can find live trial opportunities and agents with contacts in Holland on the My Football Future platform as they become available.