Vauxhall Is New Sponsor of Northern Ireland Football Teams

The Irish Football Association announced today a three-and-a-half year agreement, which includes all senior international fixtures including Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, that was signed by Vauxhall with the Irish FA.

Both the senior men’s team and the women’s national squads, as well as all national age group teams, were agreed upon with the association. “This is truly fantastic news for Northern Ireland football. Attracting a sponsor of the calibre and prestige as Vauxhall is great testimony to the progress we are making here,” said Irish FA Chief Executive Patrick Nelson, at an event held at Windsor Park today.

Vauxhall hopes to improve its brand image in the UK so a commitment to football in Norther Ireland comes as no surprise.

“We are delighted to be the new title sponsor of the Irish FA. We are making a big commitment to football and Northern Ireland is an extremely important piece of this commitment. Football and cars are two of our nation's biggest passions and this partnership is a clear and unequivocal sign that Vauxhall is firmly behind not only a successful Northern Ireland  senior team but is also committed to supporting grass roots initiatives covering youth and junior football as well as women’s football and disability football," said Vauxhall Managing Director Duncan Aldred.

In the past three days, the British carmaker announced it had also signed agreements to be the lead partners of the English FA and the Football Association of Wales. Only time will tell if football and cars really do go hand in hand.