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Kolding IF
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Kolding Idræts Forening, commonly known as Kolding IF, is a Danish professional association football club based in the city of Kolding, Southern Denmark. The team competes in the Danish 1st Division, the second tier of the Danish football league system.
Key Information
Founded in 1895, Kolding IF is one of Denmark's oldest football clubs and has participated in the top flight on two occasions, during the 1982 and 1983 seasons. In 2002, the club entered into a joint first-team collaboration with local rivals Kolding Boldklub, forming Kolding FC. This arrangement lasted until 2011, when Kolding FC merged with Vejle Boldklub to create Vejle Boldklub Kolding. Following the dissolution of the merger in 2013, Kolding IF resumed independent operations and re-established its own senior team.
The club traditionally plays its home matches at Autocentralen Park (formerly known as Kolding Stadion) and wears white shirts with blue trim.
Current squad
[edit]- As of 2 September 2025[1]
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Youth players in use 2025–26
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Out on loan
[edit]Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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Noted players
[edit]- 1950s–60s: Jørgen Lildballe (1955), holds the record for most first team matches – 386.
- 1980s: Jan Mølby (1981), played on the Danish national team, and went to European top clubs afterwards.
Achievements
[edit]- Danish 2nd Division
- Winners (1): 2022–23
- Jutland Championships
- Winners (2): 1930–31, 1935–36
- Runners-up (6): 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1942
- Jutland Cup
- Runners-up (1): 1939–40[2]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Truppen".
- ^ (in Danish) http://www.jyskfodboldhistorie.dk/pdf/603404.pdf – Archived 29 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine only achievements before 1950 are noted
External links
[edit]- (in Danish) Official site
Kolding IF
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History
Founding and early years
Kolding IF was founded on October 15, 1895, as Kolding Fodsports Klub, initially encompassing a range of sports activities with 20 members and Christer Gundersen serving as the first chairman.[1] The club was established at the local højskolehjemmet in Kolding, reflecting the era's emphasis on folk high schools as hubs for community and cultural development.[1] Early pursuits included kapgang, a traditional Danish team sport similar to handball, but football quickly emerged as a core focus starting in 1897, with matches played at Staldgården near Koldinghus Castle.[1] In 1900, the club rebranded as Kolding Idræts Forening (Kolding IF), signaling a broader commitment to physical education and sports amid Denmark's growing athletic movement.[1] Collaborations with the local cycling club helped expand facilities and participation, while the development of Olympia grounds near the present-day Autocentralen Park laid the foundation for organized football in the region.[1] As one of Denmark's pioneering football entities in the pre-professional era, Kolding IF played a pivotal role in introducing and popularizing the sport in Kolding, fostering grassroots interest through amateur play and local tournaments.[1] The club's early involvement in regional competitions centered on Jutland leagues, where it achieved notable success as runners-up in the Jutland Championships from 1905 to 1909, highlighting its competitive stature among Jutland teams during this formative period. These accomplishments, driven by founding members and local enthusiasts like Gundersen, underscored Kolding IF's contribution to the amateur structures of Danish football, emphasizing community-driven organization without paid professionals.[1] By the 1920s, the club had solidified its place in Kolding's social fabric, promoting inclusivity and physical activity through volunteer-led initiatives and youth engagement.[1]Mid-20th century developments
During the 1930s, Kolding IF experienced significant expansion, including the inauguration of Kolding Stadion in 1931, which served as a modern venue for home matches and contributed to the club's growing prominence in regional football by accommodating larger crowds and improving training facilities.[6] The stadium's wooden grandstand, constructed that year, became an iconic feature and symbolized the club's commitment to professional development amid the era's economic challenges.[7] The club achieved its first major titles with victories in the Jutland Championships during the 1930–31 and 1935–36 seasons, elevating its status as a competitive force in Jutland and fostering increased local interest in the team. These successes helped solidify Kolding IF's role in the regional football landscape, drawing more players and supporters to the sport in the area. In the late 1930s, Kolding IF reached the runner-up position in the Jutland Cup during the 1939–40 season, demonstrating sustained competitiveness despite the onset of World War II. During the war years, football activities continued with limited disruptions, as evidenced by the club's performance in the Jutland master series; in 1940, Kolding IF clinched the Syd-kreds title with 26 points from an undefeated run in key matches, securing the regional crown even as international tensions affected travel and scheduling.[8] This wartime resilience maintained the club's presence in competitive play, though broader challenges like resource shortages impacted training and operations across Danish football. Following the war, Denmark's league system underwent reforms in 1945, introducing national divisions while regional leagues persisted for lower tiers; Kolding IF maintained consistent participation in Jutland's regional divisions, building a stable foundation for future ambitions. The club made several promotion attempts, succeeding in the 1960 Kvalifikationsturneringen with 17 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses (77 goals for, 30 against, 35 points), earning ascent to higher levels.[9] Similar successes followed in 1965 (12 wins, 3 draws, 7 losses; 37-32 goals, 27 points) and 1968 in 3. division vest (15 wins, 1 draw, 6 losses; 34-19 goals, 31 points), reflecting steady improvement and integration into the national structure.[9] In the 1950s and 1970s, infrastructure enhancements at Kolding Stadion, including expansions to support growing attendance, paralleled the club's fan base development, as promotions drew larger local crowds and strengthened community ties in Kolding. By the late 1970s, another promotion from 3. division (20 wins, 2 draws, 8 losses; 61-30 goals, 42 points) underscored the era's progress.[9]Mergers, dissolution, and revival
Kolding IF achieved its brief stint in the Danish top flight during the 1982 and 1983 seasons of the 1. division, then known as the Superliga precursor. In 1982, the club finished 9th in the 16-team league, securing 30 points from 30 matches with 8 wins, 14 draws, and 8 losses, while scoring 34 goals and conceding 38. This mid-table position ensured survival, highlighted by a solid defensive record in several draws against stronger opponents. The following year, performance declined sharply; Kolding IF ended 16th and last, earning just 16 points from 5 wins, 6 draws, and 19 losses, with a poor goal tally of 24 scored against 43 conceded. Relegation was confirmed after a 0–1 defeat to Esbjerg fB in the final match on May 29, 1983, marking the end of their top-flight participation. Facing challenges in the lower divisions during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Kolding IF sought stability through collaboration. In 2002, the club's football department merged with that of local rivals Kolding Boldklub to form Kolding FC, a cooperative aimed at elevating Kolding's football to elite levels and professionalizing operations. This arrangement allowed shared resources for the first team while preserving the individual identities of the parent clubs, though it did not immediately yield top-flight success. Financial pressures intensified during the 2008–2012 economic crisis, leading to further restructuring. In 2010, Kolding FC merged with Vejle Boldklub, creating Vejle Boldklub Kolding effective from July 2011, in an effort to pool finances and secure a spot in the Danish 1st Division. The partnership proved short-lived; by November 2012, Kolding IF withdrew due to ongoing disputes and financial insolvency within the merged entity, resulting in administrative dissolution in June 2013. Vejle Boldklub retained the professional license for the 2013–14 1st Division, while Kolding IF reverted to independent operations, starting anew in the amateur ranks amid legal separations of assets and debts. Post-revival, Kolding IF focused on rebuilding from the 3rd Division (2. division). The club earned promotion to the 1st Division in 2018–19 by finishing 2nd in the 2nd Division with 46 points. After a mid-table 4th place in 2019–20, relegation followed in 2020–21 via 11th position overall. Swift recovery came with another promotion in 2022–23, securing 3rd in the 2nd Division on 47 points. In the 2023–24 season, Kolding IF finished 3rd in the 1st Division with 49 points.[5] In the 2024–25 season, they finished 4th in the promotion group with 50 points from 32 matches (14 wins, 8 draws, 10 losses; 36 goals for, 28 against), maintaining second-tier status.[5]Club facilities and identity
Stadium and training grounds
Autocentralen Park, formerly known as Kolding Stadion, has served as the primary home venue for Kolding IF since the stadium's opening in 1931.[10] Located at Marcus Allé 30 in Kolding, Denmark, the multi-purpose facility features a hybrid grass playing surface measuring 105 by 68 meters and supports both football matches and community events.[11] With a total capacity of 10,000 spectators—including approximately 2,200 seated areas and 7,800 standing positions—it accommodates the club's first-team games while adhering to modern safety standards. Following the club's revival in 2013, investments have focused on facility upgrades to enhance safety, comfort, and compliance with contemporary regulations, including improvements to seating and infrastructure.[12] Earlier renovations occurred in 1972 and 2006, expanding stands and updating amenities.[11] Ongoing redevelopment plans, unveiled in September 2020 and designed by Sweco Architects, aim to transform the site into a modern 10,000-capacity arena with a transparent structure and hybrid grass surface suitable for diverse events, though as of 2025 progress has been delayed by funding challenges with estimated completion in 2026.[11][13][14] Adjacent to the main stadium at Kolding Stadion are dedicated training grounds, including one floodlit artificial turf pitch (68 by 105 meters) and three grass pitches, which support daily sessions for senior and youth teams.[15] These facilities integrate with the club's youth academy by providing shared access for talent development across age groups, with high utilization for weekday and weekend training as well as matches.[15] Additional pitches at nearby sites like Bramdrup Sportsplads (two artificial turf and one grass, all floodlit) and Mosevej Sportsplads further bolster training capacity for academy players.[15] The grounds also host community activities, promoting broader local engagement beyond competitive football.[11]Colours, crest, and kit suppliers
Kolding IF's traditional colours are blue and white, adopted since the club's founding in 1895 and reflected in their nickname, De blå-hvide (The Blue-Whites).[16] These colours are prominently featured in the home kit as white shirts with blue trim, symbolizing the club's deep ties to Kolding's local heritage, where blue evokes the waters of Kolding Fjord and white aligns with the silver elements in the city's historical coat of arms featuring a silver eagle on a red rock emerging from waves.[17][18][19] The palette underscores the team's community-oriented identity and commitment to regional traditions.[20] The club's crest has evolved from simple early logos in the late 19th century, which likely incorporated basic text or initials in blue and white, to more structured designs by the mid-20th century. Following the club's revival in 2013 after the dissolution of the merged Kolding FC, the current crest was adopted, featuring a stylized blue-and-white emblem with an arrow motif pointing upward, representing progress and aspiration, alongside the initials "KIF" integrated into a shield-like form that nods to Southern Denmark's regional heraldry.[21] This version maintains continuity with pre-merger aesthetics while incorporating subtle local elements, such as fjord-inspired lines, to emphasize the post-revival era's focus on heritage and renewal.[22] Kolding IF's kit suppliers have included several prominent brands over the years, with Hummel serving as the longest-term partner. The timeline features in-house production until 1969, followed by Hummel from 1978 to 1982, Patrick in 1983, Umbro in 2000–2001, Nike in 2006–2007, Hummel again from 2011 to 2016, Adidas from 2016 to 2018, and Hummel resuming in 2018 through at least 2026.[21] Under the current Hummel deal, kits emphasize the blue-and-white palette, with sponsor logos such as local businesses like Autocentralen prominently displayed on the front of jerseys, enhancing commercial visibility during matches.[23] Supporters integrate the blue and white colours into fan culture through vibrant displays, such as waving scarves and banners during home games at Autocentralen Park, fostering a sense of unity and pride in the club's visual identity.[16]Players and staff
Current first-team squad
As of November 2025, Kolding IF's first-team squad for the 2025–26 Danish 1st Division season consists of 31 players, with an average age of 24.8 years and 17 foreign players comprising 54.8% of the roster. The team features a mix of experienced internationals and young talents, emphasizing depth in midfield and defense to support a promotion push.[24]Goalkeepers
| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Contract Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 99 | Lennart Moser | 25 | Germany | 30/06/2026 |
| 28 | Adam Danko | 22 | Slovakia | 30/06/2029 |
| 27 | Kyrylo Shushman | 21 | Ukraine | 30/06/2026 |
Defenders
| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Position | Contract Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | Pascal Estrada | 23 | Austria | Centre-Back | 30/06/2028 |
| 2 | Jakob Vadstrup | 22 | Denmark | Centre-Back | 30/06/2026 |
| 5 | Ari Leifsson | 27 | Iceland | Centre-Back | 30/06/2026 |
| 6 | Nemanja Nedić | 30 | Montenegro | Centre-Back | - |
| 3 | Albert Nørager | 26 | Denmark | Left-Back | 30/06/2027 |
| 13 | Dalton Wilkins | 26 | New Zealand | Left-Back | 30/06/2026 |
| 44 | Pontus Texel | 21 | Denmark | Right-Back | 30/06/2026 |
| 30 | Eric Voufack | 24 | Germany/Cameroon | Right-Back | 30/06/2028 |
| 21 | Magnus Døj | 20 | Denmark | Right-Back | 30/06/2028 |
Midfielders
| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Position | Contract Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Filip Lesniak | 29 | Slovakia | Defensive Midfield | - |
| 24 | Casper Jørgensen | 23 | Denmark | Central Midfield | 30/06/2027 |
| 23 | Niels Morberg | 24 | Denmark/Norway | Central Midfield | - |
| 20 | Magnus Saaby | 22 | Denmark | Central Midfield | 30/06/2027 |
| 15 | Jóhannes Kristinn Bjarnason | 20 | Iceland | Central Midfield | 30/06/2029 |
| 12 | Frederik Møller | 19 | Denmark | Central Midfield | 30/06/2026 |
| 11 | Abdoulie Njai | 28 | Denmark/The Gambia | Right Midfield | 30/06/2027 |
| 10 | Meinhard Olsen | 28 | Faroe Islands | Left Midfield | - |
| 14 | Christoffer Palm | 23 | Denmark | Attacking Midfield | - |
| 8 | Jesús Alfaro | 34 | Spain | Attacking Midfield | 30/06/2026 |
| 25 | Nicolai Bossen | 19 | Denmark | Attacking Midfield | 30/06/2026 |
Forwards
| No. | Player | Age | Nationality | Position | Contract Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 77 | Samuel Burakovsky | 22 | Sweden | Left Winger | 30/06/2026 |
| 22 | Isak Taannander | 24 | Denmark/Sweden | Left Winger | 30/06/2027 |
| 9 | Nebiyou Perry | 26 | USA/Sweden | Left Winger | - |
| 7 | Mikael Ingebrigtsen | 29 | Norway | Right Winger | - |
| 16 | Jeffrey Papa | 21 | Denmark | Centre-Forward | 30/06/2028 |
| 17 | Sterling Yatéké | 26 | Central African Republic | Centre-Forward | 30/06/2027 |
| 18 | Vladislav Morozov | 25 | Belarus | Centre-Forward | 30/06/2026 |
| 19 | Casper Holmelund | 22 | Denmark | Centre-Forward | - |
Youth academy and loaned players
Kolding IF's youth academy, re-established after the club's independent revival in 2013 following the dissolution of a prior merger, operates as an integral part of the club's structure to nurture talent from early ages toward senior-level integration. The academy emphasizes progressive development, with boys' teams organized across key age groups including U13, U14, U15, U17, and U19, each managed by specialized coaching staff to build technical, tactical, and physical skills aligned with the senior team's playing philosophy.[29] The U13 and U14 teams focus on foundational skills and fun-oriented training, led by coaches such as Tor Johansen for U13 and Jakob Jensen for U14, with squads featuring 15-16 players per group emphasizing grassroots participation.[29] Advancing to U15 under Nicklas Lasota, the program shifts toward competitive match play, while the U17 team, coached by Simon Fink, bridges youth and reserve levels with players like 17-year-old goalkeeper Tobias Brandt and midfielder Gustav Steffensen preparing for potential senior exposure.[29] The U19 squad, headed by Brian Clarhaut, competes in the Danish U19 Boys Division and directly feeds into the first team, exemplified by 19-year-old centre-back Mark Schmidt and forward Malthe Barsballe Nielsen.[30] In the 2025–26 season, several academy products have earned first-team opportunities, contributing to matches in the 1st Division. Notable examples include 20-year-old right-back Magnus Døj, who has appeared in defensive rotations, and 19-year-old central midfielder Frederik Møller, whose technical versatility has seen him feature in midfield setups since his promotion.[31] Similarly, 19-year-old attacking midfielder Nicolai Bossen has made substitute appearances, highlighting the academy's role in providing depth to the senior squad.[31] 21-year-old goalkeeper Kyrylo Shushman, another young integration, has served as backup in cup fixtures.[31] As of November 2025, Kolding IF has limited loaned players, with no confirmed youth academy members currently out on loan; however, the club has incoming loans of promising young talents to bolster development, including a 21-year-old Danish right-back from Portuguese side CD Mafra on a season-long deal ending June 30, 2026, who has featured in early-season matches with solid defensive contributions; a 22-year-old Swedish left winger from FK Bodø/Glimt (loan ending June 30, 2026); a 25-year-old Belarusian centre-forward from FC Arouca (loan ending June 30, 2026); and a 26-year-old New Zealand left-back from SønderjyskE (loan ending June 30, 2026).[32] Outgoing, a 25-year-old right winger of Finnish-Gambian nationality is loaned to Finnish club FC Inter Turku until December 31, 2025, where he has recorded 2 goals in 10 appearances.[32] The academy has achieved regional success, demonstrating effective pathways to higher competition levels. In 2025, the U19 side competes in the U19 Drenge Divisionen, posting competitive results while continuing to prioritize player progression to professional contracts within the club or beyond.[33]Notable former players
Notable former players of Kolding IF are typically selected based on their representation of the Denmark national team, significant goal-scoring records in club competitions, or influential contributions during key eras such as the 1982–83 top-flight season.[34] These individuals often advanced to prominent careers abroad or in higher Danish divisions, embodying the club's legacy of developing talent despite its regional status. Jan Mølby, a central midfielder, began his professional career with Kolding IF in 1981 at age 18, serving as captain the following year and making 13 appearances with 1 goal in the 1981–82 season.[35] He earned 63 caps for Denmark between 1982 and 1996, including participation in the 1986 and 1992 UEFA European Championships. After leaving Kolding IF for Ajax in 1982, Mølby joined Liverpool in 1984, where he played 210 matches, scored 61 goals, and won the FA Cup in 1986 and the Football League in 1990 as club captain.[36] Ole Skouboe, a forward, featured for Kolding IF in 1980, contributing to the team's second-division campaign during a period of club transition.[37] He secured 6 caps for Denmark from 1974 to 1980, scoring once internationally while also playing for Hvidovre IF and Aris Thessaloniki in Greece. Skouboe's earlier career included 100+ appearances for Esbjerg fB, where he helped win the 1976 Danish Cup, and he later managed clubs in Norway and the Faroe Islands.[38][39] Mikkel Beck, a centre-forward, started his senior career at Kolding IF in the 1991–92 season in the Danish third division, scoring prolifically before moving to B 1909.[40] Beck earned 1 cap for Denmark in 1995 and went on to play 46 Premier League matches for Middlesbrough (17 goals) from 1996 to 1999, also featuring for Fortuna Düsseldorf and Sheffied United. His physical style and finishing ability marked him as a key export from Kolding IF's youth system.[41] Niki Zimling, a defensive midfielder, returned to Kolding IF late in his career for the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons, making 3 appearances while transitioning to a coaching role.[42] With 30 caps for Denmark from 2008 to 2014, including the 2012 UEFA European Championship, Zimling previously starred at Brøndby IF (over 100 appearances) and PSV Eindhoven. Post-retirement, he served as Kolding IF's director of football from 2019 to 2023, influencing the club's revival after the 2013 merger dissolution. During the 2002–2013 merger era under Kolding FC (which incorporated Kolding IF's legacy), players like Jesper Christiansen emerged as standouts. The goalkeeper played 70 matches for Kolding FC from 2005 to 2007, earning 16 caps for Denmark between 2006 and 2007. Christiansen later won the Danish Superliga with FC Copenhagen in 2007 and 2009, holding a club record for most clean sheets in a season. His tenure bridged the merger period, maintaining ties to Kolding's football heritage before the 2013 revival of Kolding IF.Management and organization
Coaching staff and managers
The current head coach of Kolding IF is Albert Rudé, a 38-year-old Spanish manager appointed on January 6, 2025, on a contract until June 30, 2026. Rudé, previously at Wisła Kraków, employs a preferred 3-4-2-1 formation emphasizing defensive solidity with wing-back support and quick transitions. As of November 2025, he has overseen 19 matches with 8 wins, 5 draws, and 7 losses, yielding a win percentage of approximately 42.1% and a points per match average of 1.47.[43] Assisting Rudé is Eric Lira, a Spanish coach who joined on the same date from Wisła Kraków, focusing on tactical preparation and player development. Another assistant, Marc Thevis, a 44-year-old Dane, was appointed July 1, 2025, after managing Hillerød Fodbold, where he contributed to youth integration strategies. The goalkeeping coach is Martin Raska, 48, from the Czech Republic, hired July 1, 2024, following a stint with DAC Dunajská Streda U19, emphasizing shot-stopping techniques and distribution. Fitness coach Chris Guldhammer, 46, Danish, has been in role since August 1, 2021, prioritizing injury prevention and endurance training.[44] Historically, Kolding IF's managerial landscape post-2013 revival has emphasized stability to rebuild from lower divisions. Anders Jensen served from April 2016 to November 2019, achieving a points per match of 1.83 over 120 games and guiding the team to promotion to the 1st Division at the end of the 2018–19 season through consistent mid-table finishes and playoff success. Kristoffer Wichmann managed from March 2021 to June 2024, recording 1.67 points per match in 119 matches, fostering defensive resilience that maintained 1st Division status and enabled squad maturation during transitional years. These extended tenures, averaging over three years each, provided continuity amid the club's revival efforts, reducing turnover compared to earlier merger-era instability.[45][46]Board of directors and administration
Kolding IF's board of directors is chaired by Claus Holm-Søberg, who assumed the role on January 1, 2016, and has played a pivotal part in the club's recovery efforts following the 2013 dissolution of its merger with Vejle Boldklub.[47] The board also comprises members Thorsten Andy Madsen and Kim Hyldahl, who contribute to strategic oversight and operational decisions aimed at long-term sustainability.[48] Under this leadership, particularly after a board restructuring in 2018, the executives have emphasized rebuilding the club's structure and financial base, enabling promotion through the divisions to the 1st Division by 2024. The merger between Kolding FC and Vejle Boldklub in 2011 was formed to combat mounting financial pressures on Kolding's operations, but it unraveled in June 2013 when Kolding IF withdrew, prompting the club's revival as an independent entity starting in the lower tiers.[49] Stabilization initiatives since 2013 have included key sponsorship agreements, such as the 2018 influx of seven local businesses as partners, which provided crucial revenue to offset ongoing economic hurdles and support infrastructure investments. Administratively, Kolding IF operates with dedicated teams handling key functions, including a management division led by Niklas Nürnberg for overall operations, a youth coordination unit under Esben Jensen to develop talent pathways, and support for finance and marketing through the board's oversight of commercial partnerships.[44] Fan engagement is driven by active supporter groups like KIF Supporterne, a community-focused organization with a strong online presence, alongside emerging collectives such as the Slice Club, which organize matchday activities and events to boost attendance.[50][51] These groups foster a dedicated membership base, though exact numbers fluctuate seasonally, contributing to the club's community ties. Rivalries remain intense with Vejle Boldklub, stemming from the contentious merger history and frequent regional matchups, as well as broader competition with other Jutland-based clubs like AC Horsens.[52][53]Achievements and records
Domestic league and cup honours
Kolding IF made its debut in the Danish 1st Division, the top tier of Danish football at the time, during the 1982 season, finishing in 9th place out of 16 teams with a record of 8 wins, 14 draws, and 8 losses, accumulating 30 points from 30 matches. The team ended with a goal difference of -4 (34 goals for, 38 against).[54] In the 1983 season, Kolding IF returned to the 1st Division but faced relegation, finishing 16th with 5 wins, 6 draws, and 19 losses for 16 points from 30 matches, scoring 24 goals and conceding 43 (goal difference -19), marking a challenging campaign that ended their top-flight stint.[55] In the Danish Cup (Landspokalturneringen), Kolding IF reached the quarterfinals in the 2024–25 edition, advancing past lower-division sides before falling to F.C. Copenhagen in a two-legged tie (aggregate 1–3 loss), with the second leg ending 0–1 at home.[56] Kolding IF has won the Danish 2nd Division (third tier) once: in the 2004–05 season (as Kolding FC, whose records are now incorporated).[5] Following the club's revival in 2013 after the dissolution of its merger with Kolding Boldklub, Kolding IF climbed through the lower divisions, earning promotion to the 1st Division (now the second tier, post-Superliga introduction in 1991) ahead of the 2019–20 season by finishing strongly in the 2nd Division.[5] In 2019–20, they secured a solid 4th place overall with 43 points from 26 matches (13 wins, 4 draws, 9 losses) and advanced to the championship round.[5] The 2020–21 season saw relegation in 11th place (14 points from 26 matches), but a swift return came via promotion from the 2nd Division in 2022–23 (3rd place), leading to consecutive 5th-place finishes in 2023–24 (33 points) and 4th in 2024–25 (from 32 matches, qualifying for promotion playoffs).[5][57] No players or managers from Kolding IF have received major individual national awards in Danish football, such as Danish Footballer of the Year, though the club's collective achievements have highlighted talents like top scorers in lower-tier promotions.[58]Regional titles and historical records
Kolding IF has achieved notable success in regional Jutland competitions, particularly in the early 20th century. The club won the Jutland Championships twice, in the 1930–31 and 1935–36 seasons, establishing itself as a dominant force in Jutland football during that era. Additionally, Kolding IF finished as runners-up six times in the competition, in 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, and 1942, reflecting consistent competitiveness among regional rivals.[49] In the Jutland Cup, organized as the Jysk Pokalturnering, Kolding IF reached the final in the 1939–40 season but ended as overall runners-up after a combined performance across the tournament stages. Specific match details from the final are limited in historical records, but the campaign highlighted the club's strength in cup formats during the pre-World War II period.[49] The club's historical records underscore its longevity and impact in Danish football, with statistics attributed to Kolding IF including those from post-merger eras. Jørgen Lildballe holds the record for most first-team appearances with 386 matches, primarily from the 1950s and 1960s. Other milestones include an unbeaten streak in the early years of competition participation, though exact lengths are not comprehensively documented beyond general dominance in Jutland leagues.[49] Attendance records tied to periods of regional prominence peaked at 9,364 spectators during the 2 October 1981 match against B 1909 at Kolding Stadion, reflecting heightened local interest during successful campaigns. Financial aspects during eras of Jutland dominance saw highs from increased fan support and sponsorships, though challenges like deficits in the mid-2010s required restructuring, including the formation of Kolding IF Fodbold ApS with local investors to sustain operations. Following the 2023 agreement where Kolding IF assumed professional responsibilities from Kolding FC, historical stats from the latter—such as additional appearance and goal tallies—are incorporated into the club's overall records.[49][1]References
- https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Coat_of_arms_of_Kolding.svg