February 19th was a banner day in Norman, Oklahoma as the Young Family Athletic Center officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony, changing the game for youth sports in the region.
Rayford Young was joined at the official ribbon cutting ceremony by Norman Mayor Larry Heikkila, Director of Parks and Recreation Jason Olsen, City Manager Darrel Pyle, Ward 8 Councilmember Matt Peacock, President and CEO of Norman Regional Health System Richie Splitt and James Bond, an orthopedic surgeon at Norman Regional Health System. Trae Young appeared by video to welcome everyone to the facility where his dream for Norman was brought to life.
“Being able to have this facility where any kid can be who they want to be is going to be extremely important,” he said.
The Trae Young Family Foundation made a $4 million donation to get the ball rolling on the project, for which planning began five years ago and construction began in 2021. The YFAC is a big part of the city’s Norman Forward initiative.
“It’s another great day in the city of Norman, Oklahoma,” Pyle said. “Today marks the day we cleared the bar, which means tomorrow marks the day we raise the bar and go at it again.”
The Young Family Athletic Center features eight basketball courts and 12 volleyball courts along with 18 pickleball courts. The centerpiece is a 74-foot video screen to be utilized during games and tournaments that the YFAC will host. The building also has an aquatic wing with an 8-lane, 25-yard competition pool and a 4-lane 25-yard warm-up pool.
But the most unique element of the building might be the NMotion Sports and Human Performance Center, which was developed in conjunction with Norman Regional Health System. This center is the first of its kind to focus on both physical and mental health performance. It is also the new home of Ortho Central Physical Therapy.
“Our amazing team of experts will provide personalized care to prevent and treat injuries, all while using their capable hands and caring hearts, (and) leading technologies and techniques to get you back in the game,” said Splitt. “It’s up to us to continue with our commitment to help every athlete every (and) every person who seeks care or help from us to achieve their personal best.”
Bond, a highly-regarded Orthopedic surgeon said the NMotion Sports and Human Performance Center is something he and his team have been envisioning for the better part of two decades.
“You are only as good as those around you, and when you have great [people] around you, it makes you better,” he said. “Iron sharpens iron … that’s why this Trae Young Family Athletic Center will be the greatest thing in Oklahoma and in this region.”
The Young Family Athletic Center has already begun hosting events such as tryouts for Team Trae Young, as well as local basketball and volleyball leagues. It will host its first AAU tournament March 15th-17th when The Circuit presents the inaugural Border Battle at YFAC.
“We want to be the person to create change, but there’s nothing like this in the country, I promise you,” Rayford said. “It’s really cool to have our family’s name on the building, but it’s so much bigger than that.”
To learn more about the Young Family Athletic Center visit YFAC.com
