United Launch Unique Apollo-backed Pitch

Apollo Tyres and Manchester United have launched the 'Go the Distance' pitch initiative at Old Trafford.

Legends Denis Irwin and Andy Cole were on hand to officially open the new pitch, which has been created from recycled rubber using approximately 2,200 tyres, and is positioned adjacent to the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand.

The facility will encourage the next generation of talent within the local community by inviting children to play in the shadow of the Theatre of Dreams.

"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," explained Apollo Tyres Ltd chief marketing officer Marco Paracciani.

"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 pitch, constructed using roughly 10 tonnes of rubber, incorporates key performance aspects of the Apollo Tyres products - control, agility and accuracy.

"I wish I had this growing up in Cork," said Irwin. "We just had green fields - simple as that. We'd put down a couple of jerseys and play a game of football. This facility is right under the shadow of Manchester United and, if that doesn't inspire young kids to try to play football, I don't think anything will."

Cole added: "To have something like this is unbelievable. When I was growing up as a kid, concrete was our best thing to play football on. We totally enjoyed it but if you've got something like this now, it can only make you become a better player if you work as hard as you can."

Apollo Tyres also announced an extension with Manchester United across Europe, Asia and Africa as they now become the official tyre partner in 69 countries across the globe.