Sporting goods manufacturer uhlsport has unveiled the official match ball for this season’s Clearer Water Irish Cup Final.
The showpiece game between NIFL Premiership sides Cliftonville and Linfield is due to be played on Saturday 4 May at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park.
Under a partnership agreement with the Irish Football Association, uhlsport provides match balls each season to teams competing from the fifth round stage onwards in Northern Ireland’s premier cup competition. And the company also creates a ball that is unique to each Irish Cup Final.
Brian Hutchinson, uhlsport’s Sales Representative for Ireland and Scotland, explained:
"The creation of the special match ball for the Clearer Water Irish Cup Final reflects our commitment to quality and innovation in football.
“We have developed a match ball that is aesthetically pleasing and at the same time meets the technical requirements of players at the highest level."
The ball designed for the 2024 final has a MATCH ADDGLUE technology foundation with a 24-panel construction, promising both optimal playing characteristics and outstanding durability.
With a structured polyurethane upper material supplemented by an additional foam layer, the ball offers top performance in terms of ball control. The design is rounded off by light blue water drops, referencing the sponsor of the Irish Cup.
Stephen Bogle, Head of Commercial Operations at the Irish Football Association, said: "The design of the match ball symbolises the union of tradition and cutting-edge technology. uhlsport has created a ball that is not only a visual highlight on the pitch but also allows players to perform at their maximum potential.”
“We are excited to present this new design in the final," he added.
The sporting goods manufacturer also said the Irish Cup Final ball symbolically represents the dynamic partnership between uhlsport and the Irish Football Association which continuously strives to enhance the player experience and promote the joy of the sport.
