NIFL Championship 1 in Northern Ireland is the second-tier football league in the country. It is one of the most exciting and competitive leagues in the country, with a rich history and passionate fanbase. In this article, we will take a look at the top 10 facts about the NIFL Championship 1 that every football fan should know.
- The NIFL Championship 1 consists of 12 teams that play each other twice, once at home and once away, for a total of 22 games. At the end of the season, the top team is promoted to the NIFL Premiership, while the bottom team is relegated to the NIFL Championship 2.
- The NIFL Championship 1 was formed in 2008, replacing the Irish Football League. Since then, it has grown in popularity and is now a highly respected league in Northern Ireland.
- The current champions of the NIFL Championship 1 are Larne, who won the title in the 2019/2020 season. Unfortunately, the 2020/2021 season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the cancellation of the league.
- Some of the most famous teams in the NIFL Championship 1 include Ballyclare Comrades, Dergview, Dundela, and Portadown. These teams have a rich history and are widely regarded as some of the best teams in the league.
- The top scorer in the history of the NIFL Championship 1 is Michael McCrudden, who scored 91 goals for Institute FC. He is closely followed by Andrew Mitchell, who scored 74 goals for Dungannon Swifts.
- The biggest victory in the history of the NIFL Championship 1 was when Loughgall beat Armagh City 11-0 in the 2011/2012 season. This remains a record to this day.
- The most successful team in the history of the NIFL Championship 1 is Ards, who have won the league three times. They are closely followed by Institute FC and Warrenpoint Town, who have both won the league twice.
- The team that finishes in second place in the NIFL Championship 1 has the opportunity to compete in a promotion playoff against the team that finishes second bottom in the NIFL Premiership. This is a two-legged tie, with the winner earning a place in the Premiership.
- The fan culture in the NIFL Championship 1 is passionate and vibrant. Many of the teams have dedicated groups of supporters who attend every game and create an electric atmosphere in the stadiums.
- The NIFL Championship 1 is broadcast live on BBC Sport Northern Ireland, with highlights shown on the BBC’s ‘Irish League Show’. This has helped to increase the league’s exposure and popularity in recent years.
