01:00, 22 August 2014
| by Thomas Jones
Apollo Tyres provide pitch for Foundation projects
The pitch, which will permanently live outside the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand, is now open year round to be used by Foundation projects and visitors to Old Trafford.
Created using 10 tonnes of recycled tyres, the facility is not only environmentally friendly but also provides a safe and level playing surface for budding young footballers to hone their skills.
United legend and Foundation trustee, Denis Irwin, attended the launch with former teammate Andrew Cole, and commented, "I wish I had this growing up in Cork, 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."
Foundation community cohesion co-ordinator, Tom Oldbury, was equally pleased with the new addition: “The Apollo pitch gives our Foundation a fantastic setting for hosting skills sessions and tournaments right on the doorstep of the stadium. It will make a big impact on local participants and the surrounding community”.
The Apollo pitch will be in use with Foundation projects on Thursday evenings from the 25th September.
Find out more about the Foundation projects that will benefit from the pitch.