Saint-Denis benefits from EURO Heritage project

Thanks to UEFA EURO 2016's Heritage project, local representatives this week inaugurated a brand-new pitch at Parc des sports Auguste-Delaune – dedicated to Racing Club de Saint-Denis women's team.

Saint-Denis mayor Didier Paillard was proud to inaugurate the pitch, which was renovated at a cost of €1m thanks to UEFA EURO 2016's Heritage project. "The worst pitch of this facility has now become the best," said Mr Paillard, who insisted on "building the present to ensure a better future" thanks to the organisation of EURO.

• SAINT-DENIS CITY GUIDE

Racing Club de Saint-Denis women's team will be using the new pitch, situated just 2.5km away from the Stade de France. Women's football, UEFA EURO 2016 and the city of Saint-Denis also feature on artist Swen's fresco behind one of the two goals.

The Stade de France in Saint-Denis©Stade de France

Mr Paillard, EURO 2016 SAS president Jacques Lambert, city ambassador Grand Corps Malade and tournament mascot Super Victor all signed the fresco.

"Leaving a legacy to everyday football is one of main objectives of EURO organisation," said Mr Lambert. "This pitch renovation is symbolic of what we want to do. €20m has been assigned to host cities for this project, half of it being already distributed, the rest to come after the competition. Saint-Denis has chosen to use this first million for a big investment. It is a good choice to offer it to young footballers, women in particular. This is a top-level pitch, a superb success."

• MEET SUPER VICTOR

There was not much of a wait for the pitch to be played on for the first time. As soon as the inauguration was over, Saint-Denis played a friendly in front of their coach.