AZ, in full Alkmaar Zaanstreek, is a football club from Alkmaar. The club was founded in 1967 after a merger between Alkmaar ’54 and FC Zaanstreek. AZ plays in the AFAS Stadium, which can accommodate approximately 19,000 spectators.

In recent years, AZ has become a permanent fixture in the sub-top of the Eredivisie. In 1981 and 2009, the club became national champion. In addition, AZ has won the KNVB Cup several times and even reached the UEFA Cup final in 1981.