As we mark the end of the first year of our exciting 10-year partnership with the Irish Football Association (IFA), Clearer Water takes pride in reflecting on the milestones and successes that have defined this initial chapter.
Our collaboration has been about more than just hydration; it’s been about fostering excellence, promoting health, and supporting the incredible community of football.
The first Clearer Water Irish Cup couldn’t have been a better kick off with history being made as Cliftonville and Linfield competed against each other for the first time in 90 years.
The highly anticipated final quickly sold out and was available to watch via BBC NI Sport. In a game that had everyone on the edge of their seats, Cliftonville were the ones to lift Clearer Water Irish Cup, celebrating their first Irish Cup win in 45 years.
Highlights from Year One
Keeping players hydrated when it’s needed most
Our vision when partnering with the IFA was clear: to ensure that every player, from grassroots level to the national team, has access to the highest quality hydration. We believe that proper hydration is fundamental to peak performance, recovery, and overall well-being.
This partnership has allowed us to provide our premium water products to athletes across Northern Ireland and beyond!
Irish Cup Final match ball is launched
For a final that had everyone on their toes, a special match ball was developed to showcase the 10-year partnership between Clearer Water and the Irish Football Association. Created by sporting goods manufacturer, uhlsport, the official match ball was created to not only look good, but to ensure our sporting heroes could put their best foot forward with a ball that surpassed the technical requirements of players at the highest level.
The special edition ball will also be used in the 2024/25 Clearer Water Irish Cup.
Supporting the next generation of talent
Supporting the future stars of Irish football has been a core focus. Clearer Water was proudly the Hydration Partner for the UEFA Under-19 Euros, ensuring young athletes stay hydrated during intense matches.
Engagement with local schools
As a partner with the IFA, we’ve been able to support activities that have actively engaged with the local community and local schools. In the build-up to the Clearer Water Irish Cup, local schools across Northern Ireland had the opportunity to compete in a colouring competition to bring the winning cup to their school.
Entries poured in and we were delighted to have the Clearer Water Irish Cup visit King’s Park Primary School where the enthusiasm from the kids was electric.
Making hydration solutions sustainable
While keeping hydrated is the priority, we also take our role in reducing our carbon footprint seriously. That’s why we were delighted to introduce our Plug & Play Water Coolers to Windsor Park Stadium.
Our Water Coolers provide easy access to our pure, filtered water and reduce plastic waste by encouraging reusable bottles.
What’s next for the Clearer Water Irish Cup?
As we look forward to the next nine years of our partnership with the IFA, and as the hydration partners of all Northern Ireland National Football teams, our commitment remains unwavering. We aim to build on the successes of this past year, expanding our initiatives and introducing new, innovative solutions to enhance athlete hydration and community well-being.
The Clearer Water team are working closely with the Irish FA sustainability team to generate new ideas around sustainability and how we can continue to reduce the use of single-use plastics in football and educate the importance of recycling.
The 2024/25 Clearer Water Irish Cup First Round Draw has just been announced, with the first games to be played on Saturday 10th August. Find out more on the upcoming Clearer Water Irish Cup here.