First class (Netherlands)

First class
Association	KNVB
First edition	1897
hierarchy	6th league
Teams	12–14 each in 11 seasons
↑ Hoofd class (V) ↓ Tweede class (VII)

The first class was the top Dutch football league from 1897 to 1955 . As a result of the introduction of professional football in the Netherlands from 1954, it was replaced in 1955 as the first division by the Hoofdklasse . In the further course of the professionalization, this was already in the following year through the three professional leagues Eredivisie , Eerste Divisie and Tweede Divisiereplaced, whereupon the first class as the highest amateur league was henceforth only fourth class. Even when the Tweede Divisie was dissolved in 1971 due to insufficient profitability, the upgrading of the Eerste Klasse was short-lived, as the Hoofdklasse was re-established as the first amateur league in 1974. Since 2010 the top class started playing as a link between the professional and amateur area, it is now fifth class or the 3rd amateur league. The last Dutch champion who played through the first class and at the same time became the first professional champion is Willem II Tilburg (season 1954/55).

Graduation

As a result of the historically grown denominational particularism ( Verzuiling ) of the Netherlands, the first class is divided into two sections, the Saturday and Sunday amateurs ( zaterdagamateurs / zondagamateurs ). Traditionally Protestant teams play in the Saturday group and Catholic or proletarian teams play in the Sunday group. The departments are in turn divided into four geographical regions, some of which are subdivided again. Overall, the first class is currently held in 11 relays.

region	Saturday amateurs	Sunday amateurs
West I.	First class A	First class A
West II	First class B	First class B
South I.	First class C	First class C
South II		First class D
east	First class D	First class E
North	First class E	First class F