Clearer Water has signed up to be the official hydration/water partner of the 2024 UEFA European Men’s Under-19 Championship finals, which are being staged in Northern Ireland this summer.
The eight-team U19 Euros, featuring some of the best young footballers in Europe, will run from 15 July until 28 July.
Group matches are scheduled to be played at Seaview Stadium in Belfast and Inver Park in Larne, while the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park in Belfast will host the semi-finals and final.
And Larne-based water company Clearer Water, which is already the official water partner for the Northern Ireland national teams, the sponsor of the Clearer Water Irish Cup and exclusive water supplier to the National Stadium, has now extended its support for football here by agreeing to support the U19 Euros, too.
Ross Lazaroo-Hood, Global CEO/Co-Owner of Clearer Water, said: “I am thrilled that our 10-year partnership with the Irish Football Association has now brought this announcement of Clearer Water as the hydration/water partner of the UEFA U-19 European Championship this summer.
“I am also delighted that some of the games in this international tournament will be played in my home town of Larne - at Inver Park, the home of the current Irish Premiership champions.
“Bringing the international beautiful game to Larne where Clearer Water is based is phenomenal. The team behind Larne FC have invested in their academy to nurture new upcoming talent and I have no doubt this international tournament will inspire young footballers across the town and across the island of Ireland.”
He explained the company is aiming to promote its corporate social responsibility work during the tournament together with the Irish FA to “continue to gain customer trust, raise awareness and encourage social change”.
He said: “Clearer Water is a socially responsible employer, and we always look to build on our sustainability message and champion our mixed ability team, providing training and career development for people with additional needs plus socially disadvantaged young people.”
Mr Lazaroo-Hood further revealed the company would be promoting the benefits of good hydration during the U19 Euros, too.
He explained: “We can't forget the important message that hydration plays a critical role in maintaining performance, brain function, injury prevention and recovery for athletes engaged in competitive sports.
“Our water's natural mineral make-up and pH of 7.8 are perfectly balanced to work in harmony with athletes to enhance performance and help them to stay properly hydrated before, during and after engaging in their sport."