The tyre manufacturer creates pitch from recycled rubber outside Old Trafford in push to encourage the next generation of talent.
Manchester United partner Apollo Tyres is laying the foundation for the next generation of talent at the club…literally.
For the India headquartered tyre company is using 100% recycled rubber from its own tyres to create the surface for a new state-of-the-art community pitch within the Old Trafford premises.
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, key performance aspects of Apollo Tyres’ products.
The company has in fact used roughly 10 tonnes of recycled rubber, an equivalent of 2200 tyres, for the community pitch at Old Trafford.
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 the Manchester United’s Official Tyre Partner in 69 countries.
The first Apollo challenge sees Manchester United and Spain international Juan Mata demonstrate how to master the first of three important skills, agility, by guiding fans through a test for improving this key skill.
 
Subsequent challenges will be launched in October and November and involve different members of the Manchester United squad, including Ashley Young and Marouane Fellaini.
On the importance of core skills, Juan Mata commented: “Growing up in Spain I was always taught the importance of being agile on the pitch. This footballing philosophy is one that is extremely important to Manchester United and has been the basis of the club’s success for many years – there are no shortcuts. I know that teaching the youth of today these lessons will create stars of the future.”
To enter the competition, fans should submit a film showcasing them mastering the skill demonstrated by the Manchester United players.
 
Three separate winners will win an all-expenses paid trip along with a friend to Old Trafford to watch one the hottest matches of the Premier League season from a VIP Box at Old Trafford, as the Red Devils take on Liverpool on 13 December 2014. The winners will receive travel, five star hotel accommodation, a signed Manchester United shirt, post-game hospitality and a surprise goody bag.
 
Visit Apollo’s Facebook page to be in with a chance of winning this prize.
This follows the brand’s opening ad-led activation which included TV and print work.
Comment
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 hopesthat the pitches can also act as a springboard for another wave of talented young players from the local communities.
The club’s world famous reputation for nurturing talent dates back to the 1950s and the Busby Babes, while current assistant manager Ryan Giggs, one of the most famous products of the club’s famed youth system, himself gave first team debuts to 18-year-old James Wilson and 20-year-old Tom Lawrence late last season.
With youth development a key component in Manchester United’s DNA, the Club continues to focus on the next generation of talent under new manager Louis Van Gaal.
“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,’ explains Marco Paracciani, Chief Marketing Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd.
“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.”
Manchester United Group Managing Director, Richard Arnold commented, “It is 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.”
Links
Apollo Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/ApolloTyresLtd
Appollo Website
Man Utd Website
