Division 3

Introduction

Division 3 is the third tier of amateur football in the Netherlands. It is currently contested by 34 teams, divided into a Saturday and Sunday league, each containing 18 teams.

The league is organized by the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB). The champions of each division are promoted to the Tweede Divisie, the second tier of amateur football.

The current champions of Division 3 Saturday are Quick '20, and the current champions of Division 3 Sunday are VV Katwijk.

History

The current incarnation of Division 3 was created in 2016, when the Topklasse was disbanded. The Topklasse was the third tier of professional football in the Netherlands, but it was abolished as part of a restructuring of the Dutch football league system.

The first season of Division 3 was played in 2016-17, with 20 teams competing in each division. The number of teams was increased to 24 in 2017-18, and it has remained at that number ever since.

Format

The season runs from August to May. The champions of each division are decided on a points-per-game basis. If there is a tie at the top of the table, the teams concerned will play a playoff match to decide the winner.

Sources

• Derde Divisie (Dutch football)
• Derde Divisie (KNVB website)
• Derde Divisie (Voetbalzone website)