LONDON: Gurgaon-based Apollo Tyres in association with Manchester United , one of Europe's most favourite football clubs, will set up eco-friendly football pitches across the world, including India, to encourage new talent by engaging with the local communities.The pitches titled 'Go the Distance' are manufactured at Green Fields in the Netherlands.According to Asian Lite, a London-based newspaper, the pitches will be created by using 100 per cent recycled rubber.The first Apollo-Man United 'Go the Distance' community pitch was opened near the North Stand of Old Trafford stadium in Manchester.More pitches will soon be available across the world including the cricket-crazy India."The pitch will be available for the local community to test out and hone their football skills," said Jonathan Rigby, Head of Marketing of the Club."The pitch has been specifically designed around three key challenges incorporating control, agility and accuracy, key performance aspects of Apollo Tyres' products," Marco Paracciani, Chief Marketing Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd said."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," he added."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.The company has used about 10 tonnes of recycled rubber, an equivalent of 2200 tyres, for the community pitch at Old Trafford.Yograj Varma, Head, Corporate Communication, of Apollo was also present at the inaugural ceremony.Apollo Tyres is currently pursuing a strong growth strategy in Europe and internationally through manufacturing expansion, the acquisition of Netherlands-based high-performance tyre brand Vredestein, and sponsorship of Manchester United.It has struck a deal with the club to promote the brand in 69 countries across the world.Apollo grew 17 per cent in the last 12 months in the replacement market in Europe--against an average market growth of only 5 per cent.