The Coca-Cola Company, together with its strategic bottling partner Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, has announced a new soft drinks partnership with the Irish Football Association and the Northern Ireland Football League, strengthening its commitment to football at both national and domestic levels across Northern Ireland.

The multi-year agreement will see Coca-Cola become an official soft drinks partner to Northern Ireland football, supporting the men’s and women’s national teams as well as clubs competing within the Northern Ireland Football League.

The partnership aims to bring supporters together through a programme of matchday activations, fan-focused initiatives and digital content, celebrating the shared passion for football across the region.

Activation of the sponsorship will span several brands within the Coca-Cola portfolio, including Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Powerade.

Fans attending matches can expect enhanced product availability on matchdays, branded stadium experiences, social media engagement, and opportunities for exclusive access to football-related events.

Coca-Cola’s involvement builds on its long-standing global association with the sport, including sponsorship of major competitions such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championships, and the English Premier League.

The Northern Ireland partnership reflects a continued focus on supporting domestic football and grassroots communities alongside the elite game.

The Coca-Cola system has operated in Northern Ireland for more than 86 years and currently employs around 1,500 people across the island of Ireland, with 550 based at its production facility in Lisburn.

“Football in Northern Ireland is a proudly established and widely supported institution, bringing local talent together through a shared love of the beautiful game,” said Simon Fitzpatrick, General Manager at Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“From domestic competitions 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.”

“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,” added Gerard Lawlor, Chief Executive of the NI Football League. “This partnership will help us grow the league’s reach while enhancing the matchday experience for our regular supporters, and it represents a meaningful investment in domestic football over the next three years.”

At the national level, the Irish FA believes the partnership can help broaden football’s appeal. “It’s great to see such a global brand supporting football in Northern Ireland,” said Patrick Nelson, Chief Executive of the Irish Football Association. “Coca-Cola’s involvement will help promote the game to a wider audience, and that can only be positive for football at every level.”

 

Read More Engagement and Future Thinking in Northern Ireland Football

 

Image Credit: NIFL and IFA

 

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