The Netherlands Tweede Divisie is the third tier of professional football in the Dutch league system, sitting directly below the Eerste Divisie and above the Derde Divisie. It is a national league featuring a mix of reserve teams from Eredivisie clubs and independent senior sides, all competing for promotion. The format involves a 20-team league playing a double round-robin, with the champion earning automatic promotion to the Eerste Divisie, while other top teams enter promotion playoffs. Founded as part of a restructuring of the lower leagues, its main characteristic is its role as a crucial proving ground for young talents in senior reserve teams and a highly competitive destination for ambitious non-reserve clubs. The key honor is winning the Tweede Divisie championship and securing that coveted promotion spot.