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

Fri May 29 2026

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The Netherlands. Home of Total Football, legendary players like Cruyff and van Basten, and a production line of technical talent that’s the envy of the world. For an aspiring player, the idea of playing in the Eredivisie or the fiercely competitive Keuken Kampioen Divisie isn’t just a dream, it’s a tangible goal. But how do you actually make it happen?

Unlike some other European nations where it's a pure numbers game, Dutch football is about intelligence, technical skill, and tactical discipline. Clubs here are smart. They don’t waste time on players who haven't done their homework. This guide will give you the playbook to get a real opportunity.

Understanding the Dutch Football Pyramid

First, you need to be realistic about where you fit in. Sending your CV to Ajax or PSV is a long shot unless you have a national team cap or top-tier professional experience. Smart players target clubs where they can genuinely compete for a spot.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the professional and top semi-pro leagues:

• Eredivisie: The top flight. This is the ultimate goal, featuring clubs that regularly compete in the Champions League and Europa League. The standard is exceptionally high, with a focus on technical speed and tactical awareness.
• Keuken Kampioen Divisie (Eerste Divisie): The second tier. This is a brilliant league for aspiring pros. It's highly competitive, professional, and scouts from the Eredivisie and other top European leagues watch it relentlessly. Many clubs here give opportunities to players with the right profile.
• Tweede Divisie: The third tier and the highest amateur level. This is where things get interesting. It’s a semi-professional league that acts as a bridge between the amateur and pro game. It’s a very strong league, and a great place for a foreign player to land and prove themselves.
• Derde Divisie & below: These are regional amateur leagues. While still competitive, getting a visa to play at this level is nearly impossible for non-EU players.

Your target should realistically be the Keuken Kampioen Divisie or the Tweede Divisie. Success here gets you seen and can absolutely lead to an Eredivisie contract.

How to Contact Dutch Clubs for a Trial

Dutch clubs are generally professional and well-organized. Sending a generic, mass email won’t work. You need a targeted, professional approach. Here’s what you need to do.

1. Build a Professional Player Package

Before you contact anyone, get your house in order. Your player package is your first impression. It must be flawless.

• A concise, one-page Football CV: Include your personal details, playing history (with dates, clubs, and leagues), key achievements, and current position. Don't lie or embellish.
• A High-Quality Highlight Video: Keep it 3-4 minutes long. Show your best actions from the first ten seconds. Make sure it showcases your technical ability, game intelligence (decision-making), and athleticism. Do not add loud music or cheesy special effects.
• A Full Match Recording: Have at least one full 90-minute game available on request. This shows scouts your consistency, work rate, and decision-making over a full match.
• Transfermarkt Profile: If you’ve played at a level that is listed on Transfermarkt, make sure your profile is up-to-date. If you haven't, don't worry about it.

2. Identify the Right Person to Contact

Blasting an email to the general "info@" address is a waste of time. You need to find the right person. Look for titles like:

• Head of Recruitment
• Technical Director
• Academy Director (for youth players)
• First Team Scout

You can often find these names on the club’s official website or through a bit of research on LinkedIn. A personalized email to the correct individual has a much higher chance of being read.

3. Write a Professional Email

Your email should be short, respectful, and to the point.

1. Subject Line: Be clear. For example: "Professional Player Seeking Trial - [Your Name] - [Your Position] - [Nationality]".
2. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself, your main position, and your current playing level.
3. Your Value: In one or two sentences, explain why you believe you are a good fit for their club or the Dutch style of play. Mention your technical skills, tactical understanding, or physical attributes.
4. Call to Action: State that your CV and highlight video are attached or linked for their review. Politely request the opportunity for a trial.
5. Closing: Thank them for their time and consideration.

Do You Need an Agent for a Trial in the Netherlands?

It’s not an absolute requirement, but having a reputable agent with contacts in the Netherlands can be a massive advantage. Dutch clubs, like most professional clubs, prefer dealing with trusted intermediaries.

An agent can bypass the "slush pile" of emails and get your profile in front of the right decision-makers. They understand the market, know which clubs are looking for specific positions, and can negotiate on your behalf.

However, be very careful. Only work with FIFA-licensed agents. A fake agent will take your money and disappear. A good agent only gets paid when they secure you a professional contract.

Visa and Passport Rules for Non-EU Players

This is the most important hurdle for players from outside the European Union. The Netherlands has strict rules. To obtain a work permit (which you need for a pro contract), a club must prove that you, as a non-EU player, are of a high enough standard to significantly add value to their squad.

For football, the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) and the immigration service (IND) have specific salary criteria. Essentially, the club must pay you a minimum salary that is significantly higher than the average salary in the Dutch second division. This rule is in place to ensure only top foreign talent is brought in.

This means a few things for you:

• You have to be exceptionally good.
• Clubs in the lower divisions (Tweede Divisie and below) will almost never be able to meet these salary requirements for a non-EU player.
• Your best chance as a non-EU player is to target clubs in the Eredivisie and Keuken Kampioen Divisie.

If you hold an EU passport, this entire process is irrelevant. You can sign for any club in any division without these restrictions, which is a huge advantage.

What to Expect at a Dutch Football Trial

So you’ve landed the trial. Congratulations. Now the real work begins. Dutch trials are intense and technically focused.

1. Emphasis on Technique: Expect a lot of passing drills (rondos), possession games, and technical exercises. Your first touch needs to be clean, and your decision-making must be quick.
2. Tactical Drills: You will be put into small-sided games and full-field scrimmages where coaches will be watching your positioning, your movement off the ball, and how you read the game.
3. Professionalism is Key: Be on time, have the right attitude, listen to the coaches, and communicate well with your potential teammates. They are watching everything.

Can I just travel to the Netherlands and ask for a trial?

This is a high-risk strategy that rarely works. Clubs are private organizations and you cannot just show up unannounced. They have scheduled training and security. Contacting them professionally beforehand is the only credible way to get an invitation.

How old do you have to be to get a trial?

For professional senior trials, clubs are typically looking for players aged 18-23 who can either slot into the first team or the U21 squad. Youth academies like Ajax's famous "De Toekomst" scout players from a very young age, often under 12. For foreign youth players, securing a spot in a top academy is extremely difficult unless you are a generational talent or have EU eligibility.

What do scouts look for in the Netherlands?

Beyond the obvious physical and technical skills, Dutch scouts place a massive premium on "football IQ." They want to see players who understand space, make intelligent runs, make the right decision under pressure, and demonstrate a quick speed of thought. A technically gifted player who struggles tactically will not last long here.

Getting a trial in the Netherlands requires a smart, professional, and targeted approach. Focus on presenting yourself as a technically proficient and intelligent footballer, be realistic about the level you target, and be persistent. For players who fit the Dutch mold, it remains one of the best countries in the world to develop and launch a professional career. When you're ready to take the next step, My Football Future is the place to find legitimate trial opportunities, connect with clubs, and explore your options with professional agents.