Men's Journal Says Frisco Rocks For Jocks
FRISCO (CBSDFW.COM) - Start 'em young is a philosophy shared by Phil Yuan and Amy Philachack. Their two boys started playing soccer at age four.
"We chose Frisco not because of Frisco, but because FC Dallas is housed here and their philosophy is about winning, but about developing the unique talents and skills of the players," says Amy, a self-described soccer mom.
It seems everywhere you go in Frisco, a ball is being kicked, caught, smashed or shot. It's a virtual breeding ground for future athletes.
Wakeland High School varsity soccer coach Rusty Oglesby should know. His team won the state championship last year. It's no wonder the phone calls come early.
"A parent of a 4-year-old kid wanted to know if it was too early to start him in competitive soccer. I never really thought about that question, because when I was four, it was pay your $30 and play at rec center."
The athletic arms and legs of this Collin County city have caught the eye of Men's Journal. As part of the magazine's "Best Places to Live" for 2011, Frisco was named "Best Place To Raise An Athlete."
The magazine cited the city's numerous youth programs and its top-notch sports facilities. From Pizza Hut Park and its adjacent soccer fields to the city owned and operated Frisco Athletic Center, there's no shortage of places to work up a sweat.
Frisco city officials say the key is finding a good business partner. There are at least seven sports facilities that have been paid for by a combination of public and private funds.
"We want our children out there playing and competing in sports. To accomplish that, we knew we had to build world class facilities. If we build it, they will come and that has certainly been the case," says Mayor Pro-Tem Jeff Cheney.
11,000 kids participate in at least eight different youth sports organizations. That's roughly ten percent of Frisco's population and according to Men's Journal, it gives them a leg up in the highly competitive world of sports.
