Northumberland Vikings

As they prepare for the new season, one which they hope will see them promoted form the NFC1 North, one of the region’s American Football sides, Bryce Stevenson’s Northumberland Vikings, have had other, more immediate preparations at hand. Ahead of the British American Football Association (BAFA) season beginning in the middle of this month (April 2022), the Vikings were afforded the once-in-alifetime opportunity of a trip head to Iceland, for a mini-training camp, and a ‘warm-up’ game with Reykjavik Einherjar. It was to be an opportunity which Coach Stevenson, and one of the Vikings’ longest serving players, Safety, Conor Joyce, were both excited, and ready for the challenge that lay ahead. Stevenson, who only arrived at the Vikings two years ago, but brought with him a wealth of experience, and a remit to take the club to the next level, said of the opportunity to go to Iceland: “We’d seen the advertisement on social media and, after having spoken amongst ourselves, and with our Icelandic opportunities, came to an agreement. “I’ve been lucky here, and an experience like this could be a big difference-maker towards our season. “That, and this was an opportunity they many never get again.” As for Conor Joyce, a player at the latter end of his career, and one who has been with the Vikings since its inception, is well aware what this trip to Iceland means. “There’s never been the opportunity of playing in Europe,” added Joyce. “Yes, I’ve been lucky to play with GB level players, but this is something we needed to get and it’ll help with the unity, the buy-ins,

as well as being quality bonding time. “We never expected something like this but it’ll be good, different, exciting, and something we really couldn’t turn down.” The Vikings would be seen to lead 14-6 at the half, before steaming ahead in the second period, asserting dominance, and running out a high-scoring, 52-32 victors – Jack Mulholland, Johnny Mbuyi, Lee Davison, Ross Conley, Henry Bulmer, and Cooper Sloan, the point’s scorers, with Johnny Mbuyi being awarded the games’ MVP. Why? Because he’s Johnny Mbuyi! Upon their return to British soil, and their native north-east, the Vikings posted the following on social media about the experience…. “Time for some very well earned thanks and shout outs for last weekend. “First off, we would like to say a huge thank you to Einherjar for the offer to host, the hospitality, and for a great game of football. “They have a hugely talented team on and off the field, with a great setup at Kórinn - we’d recommend this weekends experience to anyone. “A huge shout out to sponsors LINGsCARS (LINGsCARS.com) for their unbelievable support on this trip. The camp t-shirts were great, but then helping make the existing stream free to access was a huge move and one we are sure everyone who tuned in appreciated (3.4k views so far!) “We look forward to working with them for the rest of the season! “On that note, another thanks to Mick Tyler for his help with the English commentary and David Robson for getting us those sweet 4k game highlights - we appreciate it. “As ever, thanks to Howard Snaith

himself and Howard Snaith Coaches for getting us all to the airport in one piece with their superb service - as usual. “Finally, a huge shout out to each one of our Vikings players, coaches, volunteers and supporters who made this experience what it was for us. A phenomenal amount of hard work went in both on and off the field to make the experience what it was and the team came together throughout to help. Whether that be social media, equipment planning, local media work or just general help, it was a team effort. Also, the support from back home was unbelievable “Specifically though, nobody worked harder than Head Coach Bryce Stevenson. He went beyond what is expected from a HC and took on a huge amount of extra responsibility to help plan and execute this trip, on top of his normal on field duties. Without that work, it wouldn’t have been possible. Thanks Coach. “Now it’s time to get our eyes back on the prize.” With the game against the Reykjavik having taken place on 26 March there was to be a quick turnaround for the Vikings, they heading straight back to their Druid Park home, ready for the

new BAFA campaign, kicking off away to Inverclyde Goliaths on 10 April; their first home game arrives later in the month when they host East Kilbride Pirates two weeks later. “We’re not taking anybody on our division lightly and we know we have to beat everybody,” states Stevenson. “We’re not scared though, and don’t forget, we’re two-time divisional champions and, although others will contest the same, our only aim, and what we have to play for, is promotion. “If it isn’t this year, then we don’t know when it’ll happen, but we’ll continue pushing forward.” The Northumberland Vikings opposed Reykjavik Einherjar, in Iceland, on 26 March, ahead of the Northumberland sides’ opening league game on 10 April; challenging the Vikings in the NFC1 North will be the East Kilbride Pirates, Glasgow Tigers, Inverclyde Goliaths, Lancashire, and the Yorkshire Rams. Sports fans, and particularly those of the British American Football scene, can keep up-to-date with all the goings on with the Northumberland Vikings via their social media on Facebook https://www. facebook.com/NorthumberlandVikings and Twitter https://twitter. com/vikings_afc Highlights of the incredible game out in Reykjavik can be found via https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=BKKRJlqtsQ8