The KNVB operates internationally and wants to help develop football. We do this in a wide variety of areas: Through our well-known World Coaches programme, through which we train local football coaches worldwide. But of course we also contribute administratively in international committees. And we visit our football colleagues all over the world or receive them in Zeist. We work together, seek connections and we help where needed. We do all this with one goal: to help develop and improve football worldwide, for the future of our football.

Summer 2024

EURO 2024   

Germany coloured orange in June and July. The Dutch team made it through to the semi-finals, while the Orange Legion impressed in every playing city. By the thousands, they created a fantastic atmosphere in the city centres, while the Orange march to the stadium also impressed time and again. And it was not only in Germany that the atmosphere was great. Orange fever also rose to an old-fashioned level in the Netherlands.

FIFA Forward Award

The KNVB won first prize at the prestigious FIFA Forward Awards in July. This recognition was awarded for the new competition formats the KNVB has introduced for youth players aged 6 to 12. This award highlights the KNVB's commitment and innovation in developing youth football in the Netherlands. Federation president Frank Paauw was present in Paris to receive the award.

Otten Innovation Cup

In August, the KNVB attended the Otten Innovation Cup in Eindhoven. In collaboration with PSV and Red Bull, six innovative game rules were tested here in a tournament with Under 19 teams. The aim is to keep football as the biggest and most attractive sport. According to Gijs de Jong - secretary general of the KNVB - this is incredibly important. ‘We see changes in sport in the needs of players and audiences. We saw a lot of fast and attractive sports at the Olympics, for example. Moreover, in football we also see behaviours you would rather not see. Pulling time, having no respect for the referee. We want to actively work to make football more attractive, sporty and fair.’

WorldCoaches

Throughout August, the KNVB organised a training programme in which refugees and status holders were trained as WorldCoaches at the AZC in Ter Apel. Participants learned how to independently set up sports activities for children and young people, both at the AZC and in their future places of residence. The initiative not only promotes sport, but also fosters social cohesion and integration.

Furthermore, WorldCoaches clinics were held in Colombia and Morocco. In Colombia, this took place in the deprived Siloé neighbourhood in Cali.

Consultation with European clubs

 Representatives of the Dutch clubs playing in Europe this season came to Zeist at the end of August for a consultation with the KNVB summit. All parties endorsed the importance of discussing together what is in the interest of Dutch football. They also looked at where joint action could be taken towards UEFA, the ECA and the European Leagues. Topics discussed ranged from drawing attention to the importance of youth training to the allocation of major tournaments. And from the Dutch wishes regarding transfer periods to the scope for game rule innovation. The intention is to hold such consultations twice a year.

Security organisation around European matches in the Netherlands

In early September, Frank Paauw, Gijs de Jong, Jan Bluyssen and Leo van der Vliet had a consultation with UEFA on behalf of the KNVB. In it, they discussed how to jointly improve safety around European matches in the Netherlands. On behalf of UEFA, Head of Safety & Security Operations Unit Steve Furnham attended.In cooperation with the Dutch Under 20 (v) team, a clinic for 23 children was held here. In Rabat, Morocco, the clinic was organised by Oranje Futsal (m). Under their inspiring leadership, various forms of practice were done with the 20 participating children.