The 2023/24 season was a breakout year for the BIFC Vikings. With a new coaching team, new players, and a new sense of purpose, success soon followed.
In only their second season in the South Yorkshire Ability Counts Championship League, the team set out to simply enjoy playing competitive football, something they had all craved, but for various reasons, had previously struggled to access.
As the first set of fixtures approached, nerves began to creep in and self-doubt started to take hold of this normally confident group. That’s when the coaches really came into their own, gently reminding everyone why they were there and what BIFC stands for: enjoy yourselves and respect one another. That first team talk made it clear, they were all good players, but if they played as a team, they could achieve great things.
Six months later, an incredible record of P12 W11 D1 L0 had secured them promotion to the Premier League by a margin of seven points. They also qualified for the Premier Cup, which they went on to win after going undefeated on Finals Day. A league and cup double, an unforgettable achievement and a tough act to follow.
As always, changes came. Some players left, new ones joined, and a few rejoined. But the coaching team stayed the course, and the 2024/25 season got underway. Surely, the step up in ability would be a big challenge for the Vikings, and that proved to be the case when they lost their second game of the season to a strong Bradford side.
But this team had grown. They supported each other, encouraged each other, and became more like a group of friends than just teammates. The Vikings took that early defeat in their stride and went from strength to strength, finishing the season as Premier League Champions, a full 8 points clear of second-place Bradford.
That left one final challenge: could the Vikings match the double from the previous season?
In a tightly contested cup final, the Vikings came from behind to win 2–1 and retain the cup, sealing back-to-back league and cup doubles. A source of immense pride for players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters alike.
Players will come and go, but as long as the Vikings continue to respect and play for each other, there’s every reason to believe their success can continue next season.
But while the team loves winning, it’s not all about trophies, as these quotes from players show:
Kayden, a new recruit this season, said:
“Playing with the Vikings this year has been brill. I had to stop playing all sports a few years ago due to injuries, but a friend recommended BIFC Hull — and what a difference it’s made. The staff and players all welcomed me with open arms. If you’d told me a year ago that we’d be winning the double, I’d have laughed but we did. We’ve had ups and downs, but we play as a team. I want to thank everyone who came to support us, family, friends, and volunteers. What a season! On to the next one!”
Reece, who spent last season with Barton Athletic before rejoining the Vikings this year, said:
“It’s been amazing playing for the Vikings and I’m so happy I came back this season. Winning the league and the cup has been incredible, and I’m so proud to be part of this team.”
Charlie, who has been with the Vikings for both seasons, shared:
“What a fantastic team the Vikings are. I love being part of this great group of people, and the coaches are outstanding. So proud to be a part of the setup. We are the Champions!”
And the final word goes to coach Geoff:
“The team fully deserve their success, each and everyone has developed over the past two seasons, but also their attitude to training and their development as a team has made a massive difference. It is now down to the coaching team to continue this development and hopefully deliver further success in what is likely to be a very tough next season.”
