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 and the Northern Ireland Football League.
The partnership will bring supporters together to champion both national and domestic teams across Northern Ireland through activations and activities, celebrating the country’s 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 via matchday 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.
The partnership 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 more than 86 years. Currently 1500 are employed across the island of Ireland, with 550 based in its production facility in Lisburn.
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 teams 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.”
Irish Football Association Chief Executive Patrick Nelson 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.”
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.”
Image: At the partnership announcement were: Amruta Vaidya, Country Manager, Coca-Cola Ireland; Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson; Simon Fitzpatrick, General Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, and NIFL Chief Executive Gerard Lawlor.
