Manchester United partner Apollo Tyres’ pitch at Old Trafford constructed by using 100 per cent recycled rubber from its own tyres has just been opened.
The first of the ‘go the distance’ pitches is adjacent to the Theatre of Dreams and will be available for the local community to test out and hone their football skills. The pitch has been specifically designed around three key challenges incorporating control, agility and accuracy, the key performance aspects of Apollo Tyres’ products.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Marco Paracciani, Chief Marketing Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd., said: “Sustainability is a key element of our philosophy, and we have found an innovative way to use recycled rubber while at the same time making a long-term investment for the benefit of the local community. In our role as sponsor of Manchester United, we want to support the local community, and the construction of our first ‘go the distance’ pitch is proof of our commitment. All of us at Apollo Tyres are hugely proud of this initiative, and it is only apt that we are launching our first state-of-the-art pitch at no other place but the Theatre of Dreams.”
The company has in fact used roughly 10 tonnes of recycled rubber, an equivalent of 2,200 tyres, for the community pitch at Old Trafford.
The initiative is in line with Manchester United’s objective of encouraging young talent. The club has a long-standing tradition of youth investment and development, and Apollo Tyres hopes that the pitches can also act as a springboard for another wave of talented young players from the local communities.
As part of the announcement, Apollo Tyres has confirmed an extension to the partnership with Manchester United across Europe, Asia and Africa and will be Manchester United’s Official Tyre Partner in 69 countries.