Founded in 1963 in Velsen-Zuid through the merger of VSV and Stormvogels, Telstar took their name from the recently launched Telstar 1 communications satellite.

Last seen in the Eredivisie in 1977-78, Telstar spent 47 years in the lower divisions before a stunning playoff victory over Willem II (5-3 on aggregate) sealed one of the most remarkable promotions in Dutch football history.

Manager Anthony Correia, a former Telstar player appointed in April 2024, achieved the unthinkable in his first full season. Goalkeeper Ronald Koeman — son of the Netherlands national team coach of the same name — was the playoff hero.

Operating on the Eredivisie's smallest budget, Telstar's return has captured the imagination of Dutch football.

The 6,000-capacity BUKO Stadion, opened in 1948 and renovated in 2025 for the top-flight return, sits in a residential neighbourhood of Velsen-Zuid — a true neighbourhood stadium.