Emerald guile

The NI Football League have today launched The Emerald Ball, the new official match ball created in partnership with uhlsport GmbH, for the 2025/2026 season in celebration of a landmark 135 years of the Irish League.

More than just a new match ball, The Emerald Ball is a symbol of both heritage and progress. Designed to honour the League’s heritage, the intricate design captures the spirit of the game, taking inspiration from the old Irish League crest and is a tribute to generations of players, fans, and Clubs who have shaped the League over more than a century.

Crafted by uhlsport GmbH, the innovative ADDGLUE technology ensures the new ball has optimal playing characteristics and high durability. This is characterised by extremely low water absorption, and the special high air retention bladder inside minimizes air loss. The textured polyurethane surface with an additional foam layer ensures optimal ball control. The 24-panel construction ensures perfect roundness and makes the ball FIFA-QUALITY PRO certified.

Since 2016, uhlsport has served as the official match ball partner of the NI Football League. Throughout this period, the brand has been behind every goal and big moment in the remarkable growth story of the League.

Gerard Lawlor, Chief Executive of the NI Football League said: “This ball isn’t just about the matches it will be used in; it’s about the people, places, and memories that make up 135 years of football in Northern Ireland. Every kick of this ball is a celebration of our past and a step toward our future.”

Melanie Steinhilber, Director of Market Management at uhlsport GmbH and member of the executive board, adds: “ The shamrock pattern is a proud symbol of heritage and unity, and by incorporating it into a dynamic and high-performance design, we connect tradition with the future of the game. This ball is a tribute to the passion of the League, its fans, and the deep cultural roots of football in Northern Ireland.”

The ball will be officially introduced on the European stage in the qualifying matches involving NI Football League teams in the UEFA Club Competitions and will be used exclusively in all NIFL competitions throughout the 2025/2026 men’s season and 2026 women’s season.

As the Irish League steps into another big season on the pitch, The Emerald Ball will serve as a powerful reminder of where we’ve come from, and the extraordinary journey still ahead.