We are extremely privileged and excited to share that we are the IFA’s newest sponsor!

The Irish Football Association (IFA) was first founded in November 1880, making it the fourth oldest governing in the world behind the other three associations. There were two aims; to create a unifying constitution and set of rules along the lines of those adopted by Scottish counterparts seven years earlier. Secondly, to promote, foster and develop the game throughout the island. The IFA then formed the international team that is now known as Northern Ireland or the GAWA (Green and White Army) to thousands of fans.

Despite a defeat against England in one of the first games for the international team, performances have come a long way since then thanks to legendary players such as Peter Doherty, George Best and David Healy. Northern Ireland’s latest journey to the Euros in 2016 was one that made us extremely proud despite the end result not being the preferred one.

However, it is off the pitch that the IFA has had its greatest impact. The IFA sit as an equal with the other British associations and representative of FIFA itself. The very famous and all-important penalty kick came from a goalkeeper, William McCrum, who pitched this idea to the IFA and although it took a year to pass this idea and get the IFA on board, it is one of the most adrenaline fuelling parts of the game of football.

A more controversial rule, but considered equally important, is the offside rule. The offside rule emanated from Northern Ireland and was an idea proposed by Billy McCracken in 1920, who was seen as an international star back then. Up until 1921, the IFA governed football across the entire island but a decision by clubs in Dublin to form their own association led to the formation of their own association, FAI (Football Association of Ireland). Following this, the IFA looks after the interest of all football in the six Northern Ireland counties: Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Londonderry and Tyrone.

Headquarters moved to Windsor Avenue in 1960 and the present headquarters is a significant part of the history of Belfast as it is the former residence of Thomas Andrews, the designer of the world-famous Titanic.

With over 125 years celebrated, it was an easy decision to support the IFA by becoming a sponsor.

So where can you see us?

We currently have two banners just at the halfway line at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park and you can also spot us halfway through the match programme. The National Football Stadium at Windsor Park is just around the corner from us here at Karcher Belfast on the Boucher Road, so we are next door neighbours. We are extremely proud to support our local football team and a team that we all love to watch when they play. We look forward to spotting our banner and other campaigns in the future.