Mass exodus at Hera United after relegation to first division

In the wake of a dramatic final‑day defeat to FC Utrecht that left Hera United tenth and triggered relegation, the independent women’s professional club announced a sweeping purge, parting with seventeen players and three members of the technical staff, including head coach Ed Engelkes.

Hera United was granted permission in September last year to join professional women's football. The club's inaugural Eredivisie campaign began that season. The move made it the first independent women's professional club in the Netherlands.

The inaugural Eredivisie campaign concluded dramatically on the final matchday, when Hera United fell 1‑2 to FC Utrecht. The defeat left the club in tenth place.

A tightened relegation rule reduced the women's Eredivisie from twelve to ten clubs, automatically demoting the bottom two sides. Consequently, Hera United dropped to the first division.

Following the relegation, Hera United announced a major restructuring, releasing seventeen footballers and three members of the technical staff. Among those departing is head coach Ed Engelkes.

The club will now prepare for competition in the first division next season. The overhaul signals a fresh start as the team seeks to rebuild its squad.