Football remains the top sport for youth in the Netherlands

Football remains the most popular sport among children in Dutch cities such as Gouda and Zoetermeer. The sport's popularity is driven by significant media coverage and the accessibility of playing with just a ball.

Due to increasing traffic making street football less safe, local municipalities and the Johan Cruyff Foundation have invested in specialized facilities. These include Cruyff Courts—securely fenced areas with single football goals—which allow children to play safely in public spaces.

These local environments also serve as starting points for professional development. Talent scouts from major clubs frequently monitor amateur training sessions and local matches to identify promising young players for professional academies.