IRISH LEAGUE: uhlsport to become the NIFL official ball provider

From season 2016/2017 uhlsport is the Official Ball provider for the Northern Ireland Football League.
Paul Sherratt, Country Manager of uhlsport Uk and Ireland, alongside Andrew Johnston, NI Football League Managing Director with the new matchball for the 2016/17 seasonPaul Sherratt, Country Manager of uhlsport Uk and Ireland, alongside Andrew Johnston, NI Football League Managing Director with the new matchball for the 2016/17 season
Paul Sherratt, Country Manager of uhlsport Uk and Ireland, alongside Andrew Johnston, NI Football League Managing Director with the new matchball for the 2016/17 season

“We are proud to announce the ball sponsorship with NIFL,” says Paul Sherratt, Country Manager of uhlsport Uk and Ireland.

“The deal strengthens our brand within this key region. With uhlsport historically being known as a top goalkeeper brand there is a shift of focus to highlight all of our activity, across apparel and football equipment. This provides a commitment to our activity in the region which will mark a proud part of our history,” added Sherratt.

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Andrew Johnston, NIFL Managing Director said: “The uhlsport brand is fast becoming a major player in football around the world and we are proud to have them as our Official Ball Provider. Each club will receive their footballs in time for pre-season and having seen the matchball myself I know that it will be very well received by all of the players, coaches and managers. It is a fantastic football.”

The footballs will be used in each of NIFL’s competitions including the Danske Bank Premiership through to the Championship & Premier Intermediate League as well as in the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership.

uhlsport product development, including technology and design is based in Balingen, Germany. uhlsport sets the highest technological standards, beginning with the initial design concept. The ball was revealed for the first time on the 9th of May, will be in the market place for July 2016.

The ball is constructed with 22 panels, featuring the next generation of Thermobonding technology. This allows the ball to have optimal roundness, providing superior flight qualities and low water absorption. “A football should respond in the very same way every time it is struck, whether it is in the 90th minute of a match or the very first touch. Otherwise, it would be unfair.” According to FIFA, which is why the official NIFL ball has been tested under laboratory conditions, subjecting them to even tougher conditions than they will probably ever endure during a normal game. The ball passed these tests and received the FIFA QUALITY PRO certification.