Janot proud to represent Saint-Etienne

Former AS Saint-Étienne goalkeeper Jérémie Janot is delighted to have become a city ambassador for UEFA EURO 2016, having spent 16 years representing Les Verts. Now 37, Janot has studied sports management and told UEFA.com he was delighted to be involved in organising such a huge event.

UEFA.com: What does this appointment mean to you?

Jérémie Janot: Representing the city of Saint-Etienne and working in the organisation of a tournament like the EURO is an immense honour and a source of pride. It is an important role for me, as I want to put all of my efforts into my city and my professional life. I recently completed a university degree in sports event management. I will be sitting on steering committees made up of elected representatives of the city and the surrounding region. I will also be working with local people to help them prepare for the finals.

UEFA.com: Three group games and a last-16 match will take in the city. What can an event of this kind can do for the city and the the region?

Janot: This event should be a springboard for local people – at an economic, sporting and social level. It will be a great celebration for all football fans in the region. We can rely on UEFA EURO 2016 to create a momentum and dynamism in Saint-Etienne that will continue after the tournament.

UEFA.com: What makes Saint-Etienne a special city?

Janot: We are used to hearing that Saint-Etienne is a grey place because of its mining past., ut go the Cité du Design and you think: 'I am in Tokyo.' Saint-Etienne is truly a modern city that is getting more and more beautiful each year. And within 15 minutes or so's journey from the town centre you can be in the mountains. It is a city very close to nature, which offers opportunities for a wide range of activities without necessarily going too far afield.

UEFA.com: As a youth coach at US Villars, you are involved in community life and work with a lot of young people. How are you finding that experience?

Janot: It's really good, because at amateur level I find some good values, but also see the difficulties that the clubs face, notably in finding funding, volunteers and players. In terms of my professional course [Janot is currently taking his coaching badges], it is very rewarding to have the chance to coach these amateur Under-19s.

It's not always easy, but it also gives you the chance to see that French football relies on some extraordinary volunteers. It's thanks to all those who invest their time and effort that the ball keeps rolling. I would like to pay tribute to them through my role as ambassador for the city of Saint-Etienne, in which the volunteer programme will be one of my areas of responsibility.