Dutch trial rule change to let teenage girl play men's senior football

Teenager Elle Fokkema is set to become the first woman to play 'Category A' men's football in the Netherlands after the Dutch Football Association (KNVB) allowed a trial scheme for the 2020-21 season.

Mixed teams are allowed in the Netherlands up to Under-19 level but women have so far not been able to represent senior men's teams. Fokkema will play for fourth-tier VV Foarut having come up through their youth ranks.

The KNVB could make the rule amendment permanent if the trial is a success, allowing more women to play senior football in future. "The KNVB stands for diversity and equality," said head of development Art Langeler.

"We believe that there should be room for everyone in every way in football. In these cases there is a nice sporting challenge that we do not want to block."