New Delhi, Aug 22 (IANS): India-based Apollo Tyres, who are one of the sponsors of Premier league giants Manchester United, have set up a training pitch made from recycled rubber at the Old Trafford in an endeavour to encourage the next generation of budding footballers.

The tyre company, which is headquartered in Gurgaon, has used 100 percent recycled rubber from its own tyres to create the surface for a new state-of-the-art community pitch at Old Trafford, Apollo said in a statement here Friday. 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 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.

“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,” said Marco Paracciani, chief marketing officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd.

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.

Manchester United Group managing director, Richard Arnold said it was a fantastic opportunity for both the club and for Apollo Tyres to engage further with the local community.

"This was always an important aspect of our partnership when we announced it last summer and we are delighted to see the impact it will have on the local community in Manchester. Manchester United is synonymous with developing the best young talent from around the world and it is a consistent theme throughout the club’s history. With the creation of this community pitch outside Old Trafford, it proves that both companies are equally committed to encouraging the next generation of talent," he said.