In a truly groundbreaking move, a female player will be allowed to play for a senior men’s team in the Netherlands next season.

The KNVB have granted permission for 19-year old Ellen Fokkema to turn out for VV Foarut, who play in the fourth division, as part of a trial.

Mixed football has been in place in Netherlands since 1986, with women able to play with men until the age of 19 – or in a category B men’s team once they pass that age.

However, the Dutch football federation have made history by testing out placing a Fokkema in a category A men’s squad, which VV Foarut’s first-team are ranked as – with a view to further diversity in the future.

Having played with the club since she was five years of age, Fokkema and VV made the request to those higher up and it has now been given the green light.

Reflecting on the monumental moment, Fokemma said, as per NL Times: “It is fantastic that I can continue to play with this team.

“I’ve been playing with these guys since I was five and I was sorry that I wouldn’t be able to play with them in a team next year.

“The KNVB always advised me to play with the boys for as long a possible, so why shouldn’t it be possible? It is quite a challenge, but that only excites me more. I asked the club if something was possible and together we submitted the request to the KNVB.

“I dare not say how this will go, but I am very happy anyway that I can participate in this experiment.”

The team are said to be excited at the prospect of Fokemma joining the ranks and being part of history in the making.

As per Art Langeler, director of football development at the Dutch FA, the governing body regularly receive requests for women to be part of men’s sides at amateur level.

And if this pilot is a success, it could well bring a permanent change to the rules in place.

“The KNVB stands for diversity and equality and we believe there should be room for everyone in every way in football,” Langeler stated.

“That is why we start this experiment. Experience will tell if and how it works. We will monitor how things go in close consultation with the club. Based on that, we could apply a change of regulation.”.

source:- fcnaija