BFC Masters Champions 2024/25
🏆 BFC Masters Crowned Champions of the Kanto International Masters 7s League 2024/25 🏆
History has been made in what is surely a club record. This marks BFC’s first-ever season without receiving a single card — proof that even old dogs can learn new tricks (or at least keep their mouths shut and tackles clean).
The BFC Masters are officially the first-ever winners of the Kanto International Masters 7s League. After months of graft, grit, and gorgeous football, we sealed the title on Saturday at YCAC in true BFC fashion: playing beautiful football, riding the storm (literally), and sharing a few beers after with the Old Boyz in Osaki Footnik.
We arrived at YCAC with just six confirmed hours earlier. The bat signal went up the evening before, and Duncan, deep in the frontline of baby duties, answered the call. We honestly didn’t expect it — but we’re damn glad he did. He slotted in like he’d never been away, and though he may have gotten a touch caught up and stayed longer than he anticipated during the YCAC post-match celebrations, he did manage to drag himself away responsibly. Here’s hoping we see more of him next season.
We started the day with over 100+ years of BFC experience on the pitch and a simple game plan: control the tempo, keep it tidy, be patient, and take our chances when they came. Barcelona had sealed La Liga the night before. Today was ours.
⚽ Match 1 – BFC 4–1 YCAC
Scorers: Pete (2), Takuma (2)
Strong, composed start. Pete and Takuma looked sharp and ruthless, finishing off smart passages of play. We moved the ball around nicely and let them chase. Pete was his usual ruthless self up front, and Takuma — who celebrates his 44th today — showed the kind of footwork that turns defenders into cones. Running on limited sleep, Pabs looked a touch off the pace, but held his position well and played his part in the middle. Not ideal conditions — gusty and slick — but we made it work and set the tone for the day.
⚽ Match 2 – BFC 2–3 Nepal
Scorers: Gen, Takuma
A refreshed Nepal side gave us our toughest test of the day. They came with energy and we responded well — Gen and Takuma both smashing in wind-assisted missiles that left their keeper stranded. At 2–2, it looked like we might nick it… but football, as always, writes its own script. A break that should’ve gone our way turned into a last-gasp winner for them. Gutting, but we regrouped.
⚽ Match 3 – BFC 3–2 Union Pacific
Scorers: Pete (2), Brian
Now this was a rollercoaster. Possibly our best football of the day came after we started falling apart physically — Pete popping his calf, Takuma twisting his ankle, Pabs cramping up in both legs. Who needs subs when you’ve got spirit (and a few functioning limbs)?
Union always bring spice, and this one had edge. But we held our nerve and delivered when it counted. Pete added two more to his tally – one from Duncan, channeling his inner wing wizard, danced past his man and teed up Pete for a nice tap in, the other a precise finish at the near post — proving again he’s the most clinical in Masters football — and Brian, fresh off celebrating his 51st, smashed one in the winner: another perfect corner from Takuma (earlier ones had gone begging (sorry Pete, sorry Pabs)), but Brian, up from the back, rose like a man possessed to thump in the header and show us how it should be done. Teppei was his usual calm and dependable self between the sticks, producing a string of solid saves when called upon — none more important than in this game, where a frantic pinball sequence in the box ended with him pouncing on the ball and flashing that trademark smile that never seems to leave his face…
🍻 Post-Match: Champions’ Parade
The football was done, but the day was far from over. We celebrated at YCAC with well-earned drinks in the setting sun — a proper chance to toast the season, catch up, and savour the moment. Then it was on to Footnik Osaki, where the BFC Old Boyz had assembled for a cheeky gathering. The “parade” may not have had open-top buses, but the beers, banter and bruises told the story just fine.
Fittingly, the Eagles were playing later in the FA Cup Final — and during the evening, there was a quiet sense that today might just be their day. And sure enough — it was.
Gordie, our founder and a massive Eagles fan, would’ve loved it — to see both the Masters and the Eagles win, but more importantly, to know that these get-togethers are still happening.
Massive thanks to all the players, supporters, and organisers. This one was for everyone who’s ever pulled on the BFC colors.
🏆 BFC Masters – Champions of the Kanto International Masters 7s League 2024/25.
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