Premier League champions Manchester United have announced a three-year regional sponsorship deal with Apollo Tyres, which sees the Gurgaon, India-based tyre manufacturing company become the club's official tyre partner in the UK and India, reports, www.sportspromedia.com/. The new partnership will focus on a joint commitment to the community which is designed to promote a healthy, active lifestyle to children. Apollo will build 'Go The Distance' soccer pitches for local communities in the UK and India, which will be constructed from recycled tyres.

These 'play zones', the first of which is located at Old Trafford as part of a fan zone, will feature skills challenges which will encourage users to improve their control, speed and tricks.

First team players Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Jonny Evans were joined at the launch event on 21st August by students and staff from the Burnage Media Arts College - a partner school of the Manchester United Foundation.