The Coca-Cola Company, alongside its strategic bottling partner Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, has announced a new soft drinks partnership with the Irish Football Association (Irish FA) and the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL).
The partnership will bring supporters together to champion both national and domestic teams across Northern Ireland through activations and activities, celebrating our passion for football and the spirit of sport.
Coca-Cola will activate the sponsorship across multiple brands within its portfolio, including Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Powerade, by making football fans’ favourite soft drinks available on matchdays branding activities, social media content and providing fans with exclusive access to events.
The Coca-Cola Company has been a long-term supporter of football around the world, including sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup, UEFA EUROS and the English Premier League. Today’s announcement signifies its investment in and promotion of grassroots and domestic football, while supporting the communities it serves across Northern Ireland.
The Coca-Cola system has a long history and legacy in Northern Ireland, serving local communities for over 86 years. Currently 1,500 are employed across the island, with 550 based in its production facility in Lisburn.
Commenting on the news, Simon Fitzpatrick, General Manager Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, said “Football in Northern Ireland is a proudly established and widely supported institution, bringing local talent together through a shared love of the beautiful game.
“From domestic to the national teams, we are excited to enhance the matchday experience for football fans by offering a range of our products, from Coca-Cola to Powerade, as they come together to support their teams.”
Gerard Lawlor, Chief Executive, NI Football League said: Gerard Lawlor, Chief Executive, NI Football League said: “Having a world-renowned brand such as Coca-Cola on board is another exciting development for the Northern Ireland Football League and our member clubs.
“This partnership is another big step in growing the league to an even wider audience as well as enhancing the current matchday experience for our regular match-going supporters.
“This is an investment in domestic football in Northern Ireland and will bring a major benefit to our clubs over the next three years.”
Patrick Nelson, Chief Executive, Irish Football Association, said: “It’s great to see such a huge global brand supporting football in Northern Ireland, and we are delighted Coca-Cola has become the official soft drinks partner of the Irish FA.
“I have no doubt Coca-Cola’s involvement will help to promote football among a wider audience in Northern Ireland – and that’s always good for the game.”