NOS Voetbal•vandaag, 17:33
For the first time, a professional football organization (BVO) that focuses entirely on women can join Dutch professional football. This was decided in the Professional Football General Meeting, where a vote cleared the way for Hera United.
“This step was crucial. Without this step we would not be able to continue. This is a historic step in the history of women’s football,” says Hera founder Marieke Visser.
Hera United founder: ‘Historic step in the history of women’s football’
Equal treatment
Hera is a club in the making that wants to be the first Dutch professional club to focus entirely on women, with the Olympic Stadium in Amsterdam as its home base. A club where “women do not have to fight for their place. For recognition. For a good salary or the best facilities,” says Visser.
The fact that equal treatment must be made possible under the law was already legally established prior to the decision. The 34 Dutch professional clubs agreed to this at the meeting.
“A historic decision,” says Marianne van Leeuwen, director of professional football at the KNVB. “34 of the 34 professional football clubs voted in favor. They have unanimously decided that in the future it will be possible to become a member of the professional football section if you only play women’s football.”
“Special, but also a bit normal these days,” says Van Leeuwen. “It is no longer acceptable that you make such a difference between men and women. Everyone thought so.”
“For Hera, this decision can mean that they can be the first BVO that can participate in paid participation at the beginning of next season. Hera is a very nice initiative that can mean a lot to women’s football.”
KNVB director Van Leeuwen: ‘The difference between men and women cannot be maintained’
However, the club will first have to be tested by the KNVB whether it meets all licensing requirements. If that succeeds, Hera hopes to participate in the Premier League for the first time next season. The home base will be the Olympic Stadium, where the club can play a number of matches per season.
Hera has entered into a collaboration with Telstar this season. Together they have strengthened the selection of the club from Velsen. If Hera meets the licensing requirements, the women’s branch of Telstar will be merged into Hera; the Telstar license for women will then be taken over.
From mini-idea to milestone
The 40-year-old Visser came up with the idea for Hera United last May out of surprise that the women of Ajax did not receive an official tribute after the national title in 2023. After a year and a half she can continue with her plans. “You can have a dream and a vision. Then there must be people who want to help you. That happened and then you have a snowball effect.”
2024-12-16 18:04:00