Coca-Cola partners with Northern Ireland football across national and domestic competitions

The Coca-Cola Company, alongside strategic bottling partner Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, has formed a soft drinks partnership with the Irish Football Association and the Northern Ireland Football League, according to an Irish FA announcement.

The agreement will activate across multiple brands within Coca-Cola's portfolio, including Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Powerade. Matchday branding activities, social media content and exclusive fan events will feature throughout the partnership.

The deal represents Coca-Cola's investment in grassroots and domestic football while supporting communities across Northern Ireland. The Coca-Cola system has served local communities in Northern Ireland for more than 86 years, with 550 employees based at its production facility in Lisburn out of 1,500 across the island of Ireland.

Simon Fitzpatrick, general manager at Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, said the partnership aims to enhance the matchday experience. "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," he stated.

Patrick Nelson, Irish Football Association chief executive, welcomed the global brand's involvement. "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," he noted.

Gerard Lawlor, Northern Ireland Football League chief executive, described the agreement as another step in growing the league to a wider audience. "This is an investment in domestic football in Northern Ireland and will bring a major benefit to our clubs over the next three years," he added.

Access full details of the partnership and activation plans in the complete announcement.