Senior-kitted football is the full-contact version of American football played by adults aged 18 and over. Players wear full protective equipment including helmets and pads, allowing for tackling, blocking, and physical play similar to what you see at the professional level. The game follows the same core rules and structure as the NFL, with teams competing to advance the ball downfield, score touchdowns, and defend against their opponents. It involves set plays, specialised positions, and a mix of strategy, strength, and athleticism.
History
Founded in 2015 by Cathal Curran, the Northwest Vipers (then formally Donegal/Derry Vipers) quickly grew in the North-West of Ireland thanks to the commitment of players, coaches, and volunteers. Like any new club entering a sport that was completely new to many, the early days brought their challenges. Progress came step by step, and in the final game of their debut season, the Vipers secured their first ever win with a hard-fought victory over the Galway Warriors.
IAFL 2 Champions – 2016
What followed was one of the biggest turnarounds in the league. From a tough first season to complete dominance in year two, the Vipers went undefeated, winning every game on their way to claiming the IAFL 2 Championship — the first piece of silverware in club history and a statement of what was to come.
Donaghy Group Invitational Cup Champions
With the 2021 season cancelled due to Covid-19, the Vipers took matters into their own hands by hosting an invitational competition featuring the Antrim Jets, Causeway Giants and NI Razorbacks. Strong performances throughout the tournament secured a place in the final, where the Vipers defeated the Antrim Jets 14–6 at home to lift the Donaghy Group Invitational Cup.
Welcome to the Viper Pit
After years of uncertainty and the loss of their original home ground in Drumahoe due to flooding, the Vipers finally found a permanent base. The Vale Centre in Greysteel now stands as the home of the club — the Viper Pit — and a place the team proudly represents as they continue to grow and compete for years to come.
Unleash the Venom
A new era began in 2024 as the club rebranded from the Donegal/Derry Vipers to the Northwest Vipers. The change marked more than just a new name — it represented a renewed identity, a wider reach across the region, and a bold vision for the future. Under the banner of Unleash the Venom, the club continues to grow both on and off the field, building a stronger presence across the Northwest.
A New Chapter
The Vipers senior-kitted entered another exciting phase in 2026 with the appointment of new Head Coach Paul O’Donnell. His arrival signaled fresh energy, direction, and ambition as the club looks to build on its foundations and push forward competitively in the seasons ahead.
