We practice every Tuesday (20:15h - 22:15h), Friday (19:30h - 22:00h) and Sunday (16:00h - 20:00h) at Sportpark West (Negenputruwe 1-5, 6218 RA Maastricht). Players are expected to be at least 15min early. Important to note: practice is always outside, so dress appropriately.

Right now the Wildcats only have a senior team. This means you have to be at least 18 years old to play in the competition. However: if you aren’t 18 yet, you can still join practice and develop your Football knowledge and skill. That way you’re more than ready to stand with your teammates on game days in a couple of years.

Short answer: no! American Football is an all-inclusive sport, where any body-type is welcomed and embraced. There are many skills to learn and different positions to play, which all bring their own set of challenges. This makes it the perfect sport for any body type and means there is always something new to learn, even if you're not the most athletically inclined person. American football is based on tons of tactics and strategy, which adds a nice mental twist to it.

Apart from the usual sport clothes, American Football calls for some specific gear to play safely and properly. There’s a distinction between practice-gear and game-gear. For regular practice you’ll need cleats, a mouthguard and optionally also gloves. These are very easily available in any sports-store and not costly. You’ll also need shoulder pads and a helmet, which are more costly. That’s why newcomers to the sport can use the Wildcats' gear for free during try-out months. After that a small fee is asked during your first year with us. This gives newcomers some time to get to know the sport, and decide if they want to invest in their own items. On game-days you’ll also need white long socks and leg pads in addition to your practice-gear. Game pants and jersey will be provided by us.

American football has been played in the Netherlands for decades, with a rich history dating back several generations. While it may not enjoy the same level of popularity as in the United States or Canada, the sport still commands a significant interest from both spectators and players alike. With dedicated teams, passionate fans, and growing participation rates, American football in the Netherlands continues to carve out its own niche within the country's sports landscape.

In the Netherlands, American football teams face several challenges that impact their growth and development. One major challenge is the recruitment and retention of skilled players. Unlike in the United States or Canada, where the sport is deeply ingrained in the culture, American football in the Netherlands may struggle to attract players with the same level of experience and expertise. Additionally, the lack of widespread infrastructure and resources for training and development can hinder the progression of players and teams alike. Many clubs rely on volunteer coaches and limited facilities, which can affect the quality of training and the overall competitiveness of the sport. Furthermore, injuries are a significant concern for American football teams in the Netherlands. Without proper training facilities and medical support, players may be at a higher risk of injury, which can impact team performance and morale. Despite these challenges, teams in the Netherlands are resilient and determined to overcome obstacles. Through innovative recruitment initiatives, investment in player development, and efforts to improve safety protocols, American football in the Netherlands continues to grow and evolve.

American football in the Netherlands showcases several differences compared to its American counterpart, influenced by cultural nuances and logistical considerations. While the core rules and objectives of the game remain consistent, Dutch American football adapts to its local context. One notable difference lies in the level of exposure and resources available for the sport. In the United States, American football enjoys widespread support from schools, colleges, and professional leagues, with extensive media coverage and state-of-the-art facilities. Conversely, Dutch teams often operate on a smaller scale, with limited resources and volunteer-led organizations. Moreover, variations in rule interpretations and playing styles may be observed between American and Dutch football. While fundamental rules remain consistent, differences in coaching philosophies and player development strategies contribute to unique gameplay experiences. Despite these distinctions, the passion and dedication to the sport transcend borders. Dutch American football teams embody the same competitive spirit, teamwork, and sportsmanship that define the game worldwide. As the sport continues to evolve in the Netherlands, it will undoubtedly carve out its own identity while remaining rooted in the fundamental principles of American football.

Recruiting and retaining players is a challenge faced by American football teams in the Netherlands due to competition from neighboring countries like Belgium and Germany. These countries often have more established leagues and a larger pool of players, making it enticing for Dutch athletes to seek opportunities abroad. To address this challenge, Dutch teams focus on creating a supportive and competitive environment to attract and retain talent. This includes providing opportunities for player development, offering access to quality coaching and facilities, and fostering a strong sense of community within the team. Additionally, Dutch teams build relationships with neighboring clubs in Belgium and Germany to facilitate player exchanges, friendly matches, and collaborative training sessions. By leveraging these connections, Dutch teams can expand their talent pool and enhance the overall competitiveness of the sport in the region. Despite the challenges posed by international competition, Dutch American football teams remain resilient and determined to grow the sport within the Netherlands. Through strategic recruitment initiatives and collaborative efforts with neighboring clubs, they continue to strengthen their position in the European American football community.

Partnerships play a vital role in the growth and development of American football in the Netherlands, both domestically and internationally. These collaborations enable Dutch teams to access resources, expertise, and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach. At the national level, partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies provide crucial support for American football teams. Whether through sponsorships, donations, or facility partnerships, these collaborations help teams expand their reach, enhance their infrastructure, and attract new players and fans. Furthermore, partnerships with neighboring countries like Belgium and Germany are essential for the advancement of Dutch American football on the international stage. These collaborations facilitate player exchanges, joint training sessions, and friendly matches, enriching the competitive landscape and fostering a sense of camaraderie among European teams and specifically the Maastricht Wildcats. Moreover, partnerships with established American football organizations and leagues worldwide offer Dutch teams access to best practices, coaching resources, and competition opportunities at a global level. By participating in international events and building relationships with international counterparts, Dutch teams elevate their standards and visibility within the global American football community. In summary, partnerships are the cornerstone of success for American football in the Netherlands, enabling teams to grow, compete, and thrive both at home and on the world stage. Through strategic collaborations and shared goals, Dutch American football continues to make strides towards a brighter and more prosperous future.

All personnel including but not limited to players, coaches, and board members commit themselves to the rules and regulations of the Club. The Club is a sports association of the Maastricht University and member of the AFBN. All members of the Club will operate within the rules of the AFBN and Maastricht University. The Club is created to encourage the promotion of and to provide facilities for the practice and sport of American Football and undertake other activities incidental or conductive to the furtherance of these objectives. The Club is committed to encouraging the highest ethical standards. All individuals involved in the Club should conduct themselves with integrity, transparency, accountability and in a fair and equitable manner.

Any person seeking to join the Club shall submit a membership application to the coaches or board. Membership is open to all and no application for membership will be refused on other than reasonable grounds. There will be no discrimination on grounds of race, occupation, sex or religious, political or other opinion. Membership applicants are those whose applications have been received by the Club board or coaches. Members are those whose applications have been approved by the coaches and board. Upon application approval, the member is required to confirm his/her membership and pay the required contributions to the Club. The Club is a sports association of Maastricht University, therefore it is mandatory for all members to be in the possession of a UM Sports card as soon as the membership at the Club starts. If the member is not in possession of a UM Sports card before the membership with the Club starts, the fine will be double the cost of the UM Sports Card concerned. The club is a member of the AFBN and follows their rules and regulations. By filling in the application form, you will automatically agree to follow the AFBN rules. Members shall pay Membership fees as detailed in Article 3 Contribution Fees section. The Club in General Meeting may also require Members to contribute to the funds of the Club by way of a special levy. All members joining the Club shall be deemed to accept the terms of this Constitution and any Bye-laws from time to time adopted by the Club, in particular without prejudice to the foregoing generality, the requirement to conduct themselves in accordance with the Club's ethical framework and the bye-laws as to discipline set out therein. Upon conclusion of membership with the Club, all member information is deleted after the legal term. Voting Decisions can be put to a vote and shall be resolved by simple majority at General Meetings. All members may submit items for voting. The Chairman of the Club shall hold a deliberative as well as a casting vote at general and committee meetings, in each case at the time the meeting commences its business.

Work to improve language, temper, attitude and tardiness. Members are obliged to help with field and locker room setup for regularly schedule practices as well as field and locker room cleanup for home games. Members are obligated to help in the organization of games, events, and any Club promotion activities. Treat coaches, staff, and board personnel with respect. At all Club related events members will treat the coaches, staff, board, referees, other players, supporters and their belongings with respect. The coaches are in charge on the field. They have full authority on the field during training and in games. Any disagreements, conflicts, etc. with a persons listed in 5.2 are to be handled after practices or games in a respectable manner with the coaches and if desired together with a Board member. If a conflict cannot be resolved, the Board has the final decision. Respect each other. All players commit themselves to fair play. Aggressive behavior against team members, opposing team players, coaches, referees, staff, board members and fans will not be tolerated. Avoid conduct detrimental to the team. It is prohibited to play a game not conforming to the rules of the AFBN or rules that would cause injuries to other players. The use of alcohol or any other form of intoxicants preceding or during Club events, practice, or games is prohibited, unless mentioned otherwise by the Club Board. Smoking on the field is prohibited. The use, purchase, or sales of illegal substances at during Club events, practice, or games is prohibited. The Board will vote on the punishment concerning any violations of these rules.

All players are required participate in regularly scheduled training practices. Be on time; work or school scheduling conflicts are the only excuse for tardiness; Practice attendance will be taken daily. Attendance and tardiness will be monitored and addressed daily at football practice Members that are regularly participating in the training practices are in a better position to play in the next competition game. Members that seldom participate in the training practices are subject to exclusion from the next competitive game as decided by consensus of the coaches and board. If the member plans to miss a regularly scheduled practice, they must alert a team captain, coach, or board. There will be make-up running for any reason.

All players are responsible for locking the dressing rooms and equipment room during and after practice and games. Players are responsible for their own valuables. Valuables can be put in the provided lockers in the dressing room area. The Board is not responsible for loss or damage to valuables of members, coaches and staff. The Board is not responsible for any damage (of possessions) or injury of the members, coaches, staff, fans or anyone present on or around the field. The member acknowledges and agrees that: The risk of injury from the activities involved in these programs is significant, including the potential for permanent disability, paralysis and death, and while particular rules, equipment, and personal discipline may reduce this risk, the risk of serious injury does exist; and THE MEMBER KNOWINGLY AND FREELY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, both known and unknown, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES or others, and assume full responsibility of participation. The member willingly agrees to comply with the customary terms and conditions for participation. If, however, the member observes any unusual significant concern in my their readiness or, hazard during their presence or participation, and/or in the program itself, the member will remove themselves, from participation and bring such to the attention of the nearest official immediately. The member HEREBY RELEASES, INDEMNIFIES, AND HOLDS HARMLESS the American Football Club Maastricht Wildcats, the local organization, their respective officers, directors, officials, volunteers, agents, and/or employees, other participants, sponsoring agencies, tournament host, sponsors, advertisers, and if applicable, owners and lessors of premises used to conduct the event (RELEASEES), WITH RESPECT TO ANY AND ALL INJURY, DISABILITY, DEATH, or loss or damage to person or property, incident to the members, involvement or participation in these programs, WHETHER ARISING FROM THE NEGLIGENCE OF THE RELEASEES OR OTHERWISE, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. The member HEREBY INDEMNIFIES AND HOLDS HARMLESS all the above Releases from any and all liabilities incident to their involvement or participation in these programs, EVEN IF ARISING FROM THEIR NEGLIGENCE, to the fullest extent permitted by law. The Club falls within the insurance of Gemeente Maastricht and is covered by a volunteers insurance from AON Risk Solutions, for their policy, see here.

The rules, regulations, and policies contained herein are not exclusive. Any issues not covered under the Club Rules and Regulations will be decided by the Board. Other rules and regulations may be posted in and about the facility and shall be binding as if set out herein. Rules are subject to change without notice from the Club Board. Maastricht Wildcats assumes no responsibility for the actions of persons upon its premises, other than those of its directors and employees when acting within their respective official capacities and duties.