| If you're a true-blue fan of football, then you are | | | | key player Johan Cruyff left - but thanks largely |
| undoubtedly aware of Amsterdam's incredible club, | | | | to the heroic coaching of Tomislav Ivi, the team |
| AFC Ajax. Also known as Ajax Amsterdam - and | | | | rebounded around 1977. Once again, they were in |
| sometimes simply as Ajax - the team has been | | | | their prime. In the years since, many footballers |
| ranked the seventh-best football club of the 20th | | | | have made their name with the team: Jari |
| century, which is a truly humbling designation. | | | | Litmanen, Patrick Kluivert and Michael Laudrup, to |
| Although the team's heydey was during the | | | | name a few. As always, many hotels in |
| 1970s, it still enjoys a very loyal following. If | | | | Amsterdam saw their bookings soar when an |
| you're planning to come to Amsterdam and they'll | | | | important match was imminent. |
| be playing, make it a point to take in a game. | | | | AFC Ajax: Check Them Out For Yourself |
| A Brief History Of The Club | | | | Although there are many great reasons to visit |
| AFC Ajax was founded in 1900 and got off to a | | | | Amsterdam, there are few better ways to |
| great start. By 1911, it was promoted into the | | | | experience the passion of its citizens than |
| highest level of Dutch football. During the 1920s, | | | | attending an AFC Ajax match. Amsterdam hotels |
| they picked up many regional titles. The same | | | | do tend to fill up around the time of a particularly |
| success continued through the 1930s and 1940s. | | | | critical game, so visitors need to take that into |
| In 1950, the Netherlands finally allowed | | | | consideration. However, watching these |
| professional football and AFC Ajax shot to | | | | professional footballers do their thing live at |
| prominence in no time flat. Although AFC Ajax | | | | Amsterdam Arena is simply unforgettable. Finding |
| enjoyed many successes, 1971 was their | | | | deals on hotels in Amsterdam is possible, |
| undisputed year of triumph. The club picked up | | | | especially if you make your plans early enough. |
| European and domestic titles one after another, | | | | With any luck, you'll be able to book Amsterdam |
| and flew through the early 1970s on a wave of | | | | hotels right near the arena and can make a |
| unparalleled achievement. | | | | weekend out of it. Win or lose, watching the |
| A Stumble, Followed By A Rebound | | | | historic AFC Ajax club play is a very memorable |
| The club made some missteps after their prime | | | | experience. |
| performance early in the 1970s - especially after | | | | |