Cup Match fans were invited to back their favourite team off the pitch in a promotion supporting aspiring young cricketers.

Take Five Ltd has reintroduced its Slushie Showdown, selling the crushed ice drinks in either blue raspberry and strawberry flavours for Somerset (red and light blue) or blue raspberry for St George’s (light blue and navy blue).

A $2 donation will be made from the sale of each beverage to the respective cricket team’s youth programme. The drinks are available from Buzz outlets.

Take Five Ltd, the parent company of restaurants including Buzz and Devil’s Isles Café, said that it had partnered with Somerset Cricket Club and St George’s Cricket Club to reaffirm its “ongoing commitment to community engagement,” particularly through youth development in the sport.

Jon Brunson, the director of Take Five Ltd and its head of people, culture and strategic initiatives, said: “We are pleased to announce a donation of $1,000 to each club from the proceeds of previous years’ slushie competitions, which has been contributed to support the youth cricket programmes.

“This year, we’re excited to continue that support through our annual Slushie Showdown, a spirited initiative inviting the public to show their team allegiance while making a positive impact.”

Jelani Carlington, the secretary at St George’s Cricket Club, said: “This is going to go a long way towards rejuvenating our cricket programme for the children.

“As you can see, cricket is on a downhill in Bermuda and we are just trying to improve it. We want to get more children out playing cricket so we can have Cup Match for ever.

“This donation will go towards things like equipment. We really appreciate it.”

Richard Scott, the president of Somerset Cricket Club, added: “We want to thank the Take Five Ltd family of companies for their support and promotion of Cup Match.

“The donation will go towards youth development so that the legacy of Cup Match continues.”

Mr Brunson added: “The two-day observance has grown into a unique national celebration, blending sport, tradition and social unity in a way that is unparalleled anywhere in the world.

“We extend our appreciation to Richard Scott, the president of Somerset Cricket Club, and Mishael Paynter, the president of St George’s Cricket Club, for championing this initiative.

“Their continued leadership embodies the essence of Cup Match, honouring the past, uplifting the present and investing in the future.

“We invite you to join us in celebrating this treasured Bermudian tradition, whether by enjoying a slushie, attending the match or taking a moment to reflect on the historical significance of these two meaningful days.

“We would also like to encourage everyone to come out to watch two days of exciting cricket. And, go Somerset!”