Holland is conveniently placed with Germany and Belgium on its borders and is a great location for trips and city breaks. In addition to its canals, bicycles, museums and art, Holland's treasures include many interesting things to do and visit. Placing the clogs aside, travelers will discover that Holland also hosts an exciting history of football.



Dutch Football

Football provides a rich section in Dutch history and two of the major football clubs in Holland are AFC Ajax and PSV Eindhoven.

AFC Ajax is an important club in European football terms that was established in 1900. Probably the most well known name with roots in Ajax is the famous footballer Johann Cruijff. It is interesting to note that in its history, Ajax football club has moved six times. The early games were played at a ground called The Small Pitch even before the club's official foundation in 1900. The club then played at Amsterdam North, The Wooden Stadium, De Meer, and the Olympic Stadium before its present home. Ajax's current impressive Amsterdam ArenA was opened in 1996. This stadium hosts a special unique feature of a retractable roof and is an attractive stadium that may host almost 52,000 spectators.

Today, the Ajax club offers various different packages in order to visit and feel the experience of Ajax. Tourists may visit the attractive Amsterdam ArenA and participate in a guided tour of the stadium. Different package options include a meal in a restaurant and a hotel package that arranges accommodation and a match ticket in advance. There is also a shop for souvenirs at the site.

PSV Eindhoven also has a rich history and often competes with Ajax in the Dutch title race. This club was formed in 1913. PSV Eindhoven plays in the Phillips Stadium that after several renovations over the years may today hold 35,000 spectators. This is considered to be one of the most beautiful and modern football stadiums in Holland. The Phillips Stadium includes covered seats for the convenience and comfort of supporters. This stadium also offers facilities suitable for business meetings or conventions, in addition to restaurants and a souvenir shop.

Although PSV Eindhoven does provide one of the main attractions of the city, there are other things to do in this area, such as shopping, nightlife and museums. Hotels and campsites are available in Eindhoven. On some occasions visitors may find that hotels in the city itself may be full due to an important football match and in such an event, alternative places of accommodation may be located in villages just outside Eindhoven.

Tourists interested in learning a bit more about Dutch football, may take advantage of soccer city breaks. Such a trip can be arranged as a short weekend package that includes accommodation and tickets to a chosen football game. These breaks may of course be arranged in advanced and can be reserved via the Internet.

A step into Dutch culture of the past and present may be taken simply through a glance at Holland's football.