Hoofdklasse (women)

The Hoofdklasse (women) is the highest level of women's field hockey in the Netherlands. It is widely considered one of the strongest, if not the strongest, domestic women's field hockey leagues in the world, attracting top international players in addition to showcasing Dutch talent.

The league is organized by the Koninklijke Nederlandse Hockey Bond (KNHB), the Royal Dutch Hockey Association. The season typically runs from September to May, culminating in a playoff series to determine the national champion.

Teams competing in the Hoofdklasse (women) are generally affiliated with larger sports clubs, often having both male and female teams participating in their respective Hoofdklasse leagues. The level of competition is extremely high, with matches being characterized by speed, technical skill, and tactical complexity.

Relegation and promotion occur between the Hoofdklasse (women) and the Promotieklasse, the second-tier league. The number of teams relegated and promoted can vary from year to year, dependent on the specific regulations of the KNHB.

The Hoofdklasse (women) plays a significant role in developing players for the Dutch national team, which has consistently been a dominant force in international field hockey, winning numerous Olympic, World Cup, and European Championship titles. Many players who represent the Netherlands internationally gain valuable experience competing in the Hoofdklasse (women).