Ajax Women

Excellence and Innovation in Women's Football

Ajax Women: Carrying Forward the Ajax Legacy in Women's Football

The women's team of Ajax Amsterdam represents the club's commitment to excellence across all levels of football. Playing in the Eredivisie Vrouwen, Ajax Women embody the same technical skill, attacking philosophy, and tactical intelligence that have defined the Ajax tradition for over a century. As champions of Dutch women's football, they continue to set the standard for technical development and attractive playing style.

History and Founding of Ajax Women

Ajax Women team during founding year

Ajax Women was officially established in 2012 when the club joined the newly created women's Eredivisie (BeNe League). While Ajax had a long and storied football history dating back to 1900, the establishment of a professional women's team represented the club's commitment to developing the women's game in the Netherlands.

The foundation of Ajax Women came during a transformative period for women's football in the Netherlands. Following the Dutch Football Association (KNVB)'s initiatives to develop women's football, Ajax made the strategic decision to invest in a professional women's team that would carry forward the club's philosophy and traditions.

Under the leadership of technical director Marc Overmars and with the support of Ajax's board, the team was built with a clear vision: to implement the Ajax football philosophy of technical skill, attacking play, and tactical intelligence in the women's game. From the beginning, the club emphasized youth development and the Ajax style of play that had brought the men's team so much success throughout its history.

After joining the women's Eredivisie, Ajax Women quickly established themselves as a formidable force in Dutch women's football. The early years saw the team laying foundations for future success, with an emphasis on developing young talent and building a squad capable of competing at the highest levels domestically and in Europe.

Achievements in the Eredivisie Vrouwen

Since their formation, Ajax Women have established themselves as one of the powerhouses of Dutch women's football, collecting multiple trophies and consistently challenging for honors in the Eredivisie Vrouwen.

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Eredivisie Vrouwen Championships

Champions in 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2021-22 seasons, establishing their dominance in Dutch women's football.

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KNVB Women's Cup Victories

Winners of the prestigious national cup competition in 2014, 2018, and 2019, demonstrating cup expertise alongside league success.

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UEFA Women's Champions League Campaigns

Regular participants in Europe's elite competition, reaching the knockout stages and representing Dutch football on the continental stage.

Key Milestones in Ajax Women's History

  • 2012

    Official Foundation

    Ajax Women officially established as the club enters the women's Eredivisie.

  • 2014

    First Major Trophy

    Victory in the KNVB Women's Cup, securing the team's first major silverware.

  • 2016-17

    First League Championship

    Ajax Women claim their first Eredivisie Vrouwen title, marking their arrival as a dominant force.

  • 2018

    Historic Double

    The team achieves the domestic double, winning both the Eredivisie Vrouwen and KNVB Cup.

  • 2018-19

    Champions League Progress

    Ajax Women make significant progress in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

  • 2021-22

    Return to the Summit

    The team reclaims the Eredivisie Vrouwen title, confirming their status as the Netherlands' top women's team.

Key Players Past and Present

Ajax Women have been home to some of the most talented footballers in the women's game, including Dutch internationals and global stars who have contributed to both club success and the growth of women's football in the Netherlands.

Club Legends

Daphne Koster

Defender

A defensive stalwart and captain who helped establish Ajax Women in their early years. Koster's leadership and defensive prowess were instrumental in the team's first successes, and she later took on a management role with the club after retirement.

Anouk Hoogendijk

Midfielder

A versatile Dutch international who represented Ajax with distinction during multiple spells. Her technical ability and tactical intelligence embodied the Ajax playing philosophy in the women's team.

Liza van der Most

Defender

One of the club's most consistent performers and longest-serving players. Her reliability and understanding of the Ajax defensive system have made her a cornerstone of the team's success.

Dutch Internationals

Sherida Spitse

Midfielder

A world-class midfielder who excelled during her time at Ajax. Her set-piece expertise and leadership qualities have been vital for both club and country.

Stefanie van der Gragt

Defender

A talented defender who developed at Ajax before gaining international recognition. She returned to the club to bring experience and quality to the backline.

Lieke Martens

Forward

Though her time at Ajax was brief, Martens is one of the biggest names to have worn the famous red and white shirt, going on to global stardom after developing her skills at the club.

Current Stars

Romée Leuchter

Forward

A prolific striker who consistently delivers goals with her clinical finishing and intelligent movement. Her goalscoring prowess has been crucial to recent successes.

Victoria Pelova

Midfielder

A technically gifted midfielder developed through the Ajax system. Her creativity and vision represent the technical excellence that Ajax values in their players.

Chasity Grant

Forward

A young talent representing the new generation of Ajax Women stars. Her speed and technical ability highlight the club's continuing emphasis on developing attacking players.

Playing Style and Connection to Ajax's Philosophy

Ajax Women team training session

Carrying the Ajax DNA

Ajax Women embrace the same fundamental principles that have defined Ajax for generations. The famous Ajax philosophy of attractive, attacking football with an emphasis on technical skill, positional fluidity, and tactical intelligence is as evident in the women's team as it is in the men's.

Just like their male counterparts, Ajax Women prioritize possession-based football, building attacks from the back with confidence and precision. The team's players are selected and developed based on their technical ability, game intelligence, and capacity to adapt to the Ajax system that values creativity within a structured framework.

Technical Excellence

Following the Ajax tradition, the women's team places significant emphasis on technical excellence. Players are expected to be comfortable on the ball in all situations, capable of maintaining possession under pressure, and skilled in executing the quick, short passing moves that have been a hallmark of Ajax teams throughout history.

Tactical Intelligence

Ajax Women players are developed to understand the game at a deeper level. The team employs a tactical approach that requires players to read the game, make intelligent decisions, and adapt to changing circumstances during matches. This tactical flexibility, combined with technical skill, creates the distinctive Ajax style that fans appreciate.

Attacking Mentality

True to the Ajax tradition, the women's team approaches games with an attacking mentality. The team consistently seeks to control games through possession and create scoring opportunities through patient build-up play and quick combinations. This positive approach has made Ajax Women one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the Eredivisie Vrouwen.

Development Pathway and Youth Setup

Ajax's renowned player development philosophy extends to the women's program, with a structured pathway designed to nurture female talent from a young age through to the professional team.

De Toekomst Academy

Ajax Women benefit from the world-famous De Toekomst ("The Future") academy infrastructure, with dedicated resources for developing female players. Young talents train in the same facilities as the men's and boys' teams, with access to top-quality coaching and development resources.

The academy for female players implements the same coaching methodology used throughout Ajax, ensuring that technical skills, tactical understanding, and the Ajax playing philosophy are embedded from an early age.

Talent Identification

Ajax operates a sophisticated scouting network to identify promising female footballers across the Netherlands. The club looks for players who demonstrate not only technical ability but also the right mentality and potential to adapt to the Ajax style of play.

Regular talent days and partnerships with local clubs help Ajax cast a wide net in their search for the next generation of women's team stars.

Age-Group Teams

The club runs a comprehensive program of age-group teams for girls, providing a clear development pathway from youth football to the professional team. These teams compete in appropriate competitions, allowing young players to develop through regular, competitive matches.

The structured progression through the age groups ensures that players receive age-appropriate coaching while being prepared for the technical and tactical demands of senior football.

Transition to Professional Team

The most promising talents are gradually integrated into the first-team environment, with carefully managed exposure to senior training and matchday experiences. This systematic approach helps young players bridge the gap between youth and professional football.

Ajax Women have a strong track record of promoting from within, with numerous academy graduates establishing themselves in the first team and going on to represent the Netherlands at international level.

Development Success Stories

The effectiveness of Ajax's development pathway for female players is evidenced by the numerous talents who have progressed through the system to achieve success with both the club and the Dutch national team.

  • Multiple Ajax-developed players have become regular features in the Netherlands' successful national women's team
  • Ajax's youth products have gone on to careers with top clubs across Europe's major leagues
  • The club consistently promotes from within, with academy graduates forming a core part of the first team squad
  • Several former youth players have transitioned into coaching and administrative roles within the women's program

International Competitions - UEFA Women's Champions League

Ajax Women's participation in the UEFA Women's Champions League represents their ambition to compete at the highest level of European football and showcase the Ajax philosophy on the continental stage.

Ajax Women competing in the UEFA Women's Champions League

Champions League Journey

Since their first qualification for the UEFA Women's Champions League, Ajax Women have been working to establish themselves as a recognized force in European competition. Their campaigns have seen them face some of the continent's elite clubs, providing valuable experience and exposure to different styles of play.

The team's approach to European fixtures remains consistent with their domestic philosophy: technical, attacking football based on possession and creativity. This commitment to the Ajax way, regardless of the opposition, has earned respect across Europe and provided memorable moments for supporters.

Memorable European Nights

Ajax Women have created their own chapter in the club's rich European history, with several notable performances in the Champions League. Whether at their Sportpark De Toekomst home or in away fixtures across the continent, the team has demonstrated the quality of Dutch women's football and the effectiveness of the Ajax playing style.

Building for European Success

The club's ambition extends to establishing Ajax Women as a consistent presence in the latter stages of the Champions League. Strategic recruitment, continued investment in the development pathway, and refinement of the playing style all form part of the plan to elevate the team to the upper echelons of European women's football.

Each Champions League campaign provides valuable learning experiences for both players and staff, with the knowledge gained being incorporated into the ongoing development of the team and the wider women's program at Ajax.

Notable European Fixtures

2018-19
Ajax Women vs. Bayern Munich
UEFA Women's Champions League Round of 32
2019-20
Ajax Women vs. Lyon
UEFA Women's Champions League Round of 16
2021-22
Ajax Women vs. Arsenal
UEFA Women's Champions League Group Stage
2022-23
Ajax Women vs. Barcelona
UEFA Women's Champions League Qualifying Round

Match Experience and Fan Support

Ajax Women fans supporting the team

Growing Support Base

Ajax Women have cultivated a dedicated and growing supporter base that embodies the passion and loyalty associated with the Ajax name. From the team's foundation, fans have embraced women's football as an integral part of the Ajax family, bringing the same enthusiasm that has long characterized support for the men's team.

The fanbase includes devoted followers who attend every home match as well as the broader Ajax community who recognize the women's team as authentic representatives of the club's values and traditions. This support has been crucial in establishing the team's identity and creating a positive matchday atmosphere.

Matchday Experience

Home matches at Sportpark De Toekomst offer an intimate football experience where fans can feel close to the action and connected to the players. The facility, which also serves as Ajax's training complex, provides an authentic football atmosphere that highlights the technical quality and tactical aspects of the women's game.

For selected high-profile matches, the team occasionally plays at the Johan Cruyff Arena, offering fans the opportunity to see the women's team perform in the club's main stadium. These special occasions typically attract larger crowds and create memorable experiences for both players and supporters.

Fan Initiatives

Several supporter groups dedicate their energy to following Ajax Women, organizing coordinated support at matches and maintaining an active presence on social media. These groups help build community among fans and contribute to the visibility of women's football within the broader Ajax fanbase.

The club actively works to grow interest in the women's team through integrated marketing campaigns, digital content, and community outreach initiatives. Players regularly participate in fan engagement activities, including meet-and-greets, signing sessions, and community events that strengthen the bond between the team and its supporters.

Attending Ajax Women Matches

Home Venue

Most home matches are played at Sportpark De Toekomst, the Ajax training complex, with occasional high-profile fixtures at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Tickets

Tickets for Ajax Women matches are available through the official Ajax website and ticket office. Season tickets are available, offering the best value for regular supporters.

Match Schedule

The Eredivisie Vrouwen season typically runs from September to May, with home matches usually played on Friday evenings or weekends.

Family Experience

Ajax Women matches offer a family-friendly atmosphere with affordable pricing, making them an excellent way to introduce younger fans to the Ajax experience.

Support Ajax Women

Join us in supporting Ajax Women as they continue to build on their success and represent the Ajax tradition in women's football.

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