Netherlands Tweede Divisie

Tweede Divisie (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈtʋeːdə diˈvizi]; English: Second Division) is the highest amateur (and historically the lowest professional) football league in the Netherlands. It was established in 1956, together with the Eredivisie and the Eerste Divisie. Between 1956 and 1960 and between 1962 and 1966, the league consisted of two divisions, Tweede Divisie A and Tweede Divisie B. The league was disbanded in 1971. Six clubs were promoted to the Eerste Divisie (De Volewijckers, FC Eindhoven, FC VVV, Fortuna Vlaardingen, PEC and Roda JC), while the other eleven teams became amateur clubs.

Plans for a new, amateur Tweede Divisie, to be made up of 4 reserve teams and 14 Topklasse clubs, were approved in a KNVB assembly in December 2014. Thus, the Topklasse, renamed the Derde Divisie (English: Third Division), and leagues below decremented by one level, and furthermore, promotion and relegation among the second to fourth divisions were implemented starting in 2016–17. Despite its amateurism, the league obliges its clubs to have a minimum number of players under contract. No first team will be promoted to the Eerste Divisie until after 2022–23, but from the end of 2020–21 at first, the highest-ranked second (i.e., reserve) team gains promotion, while the lowest-ranked reserves are relegated to a new under-21 division. An under-23 competition has been established for the Tweede Divisie's amateur clubs that are not directly eligible for its under-21 equivalent. Because of the 2020–21 season's cancellation, promotion or relegation was suspended for five to 10 years in June 2022.

The Netherlands Tweede Divisie is a highly competitive soccer tournament held in the Netherlands. It is the fourth tier of professional soccer in the country, sitting below the Eredivisie, Eerste Divisie, and Derde Divisie.

The tournament features 18 teams from various regions of the Netherlands, all vying for the chance to be promoted to the higher divisions. The teams consist of both professional and semi-professional players, creating a diverse mix of talent and skill levels.

Matches are played throughout the season, which typically runs from August to May. The teams compete in a round-robin format, facing each other twice, once at home and once away. The top team at the end of the season is crowned the champion and earns promotion to the Eerste Divisie, while the bottom two teams are relegated to the Derde Divisie.

The Netherlands Tweede Divisie is known for its fast-paced and exciting style of play. The teams showcase their technical abilities, tactical prowess, and determination to secure victories and climb up the ranks. The tournament provides a platform for young talents to showcase their skills and catch the attention of scouts from higher divisions or even international clubs.

Fans of the tournament can expect thrilling matches, passionate supporters, and a competitive atmosphere. The stadiums are often filled with enthusiastic fans, creating an electric ambiance that adds to the overall experience. The Netherlands Tweede Divisie offers an opportunity for soccer enthusiasts to witness the future stars of Dutch football and enjoy the excitement of the beautiful game.