Soccer star and Union Grove native gives back to local kids

 

UNION GROVE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- At the MFC Sports Complex, Logan Farrington pours back into local kids.

"I try to take something from every coach that I was a part of," Logan Farrington says. "But a lot of them was just be a good person. Work hard. And you know, follow your dreams."

The Union Grove native, Farrington, played for the Bavarians Soccer Club. And UW-Milwaukee. And Oregon State, before becoming a part of soccer history with FC Dallas in Major League Soccer.

Logan Farrington was picked third in the MLS SuperDraft. Yes, that's the highest drafted pro soccer player ever out of the state of Wisconsin. So his words carry weight to these kids.

"It means a lot," Farrington says. "I mean there was a lot of hard work. The draft pick ultimately is just a number. But it's a great feeling to be a high draft pick. But to be able to produce after that and maybe secure my name in Wisconsin history a little bit more, as I become a better player and a better name, that's my goal."

"I know there was a point in his career where he didn't even know if it would be possible to play pro soccer," Cameron Pegues says. "But he stuck to it. He made a decision that this is what he wanted to do, and he sacrificed and gave up a lot to get to where he is."

"My story and my path to where I am today is a lot different to a lot of professionals these days - so it's unique," Farrington says. "And I think that makes me who I am. And I think that does give me that little edge. That little chip on my shoulder."

And now? He just wants another southeastern Wisconsin kid to experience what he has.

"Obviously we're here for three hours. We're not going to be able to make them into Messi or anything like that. That's impossible," Farrington says. "But I hope they have a great time. They learn some stuff. They get to take a couple things from me that maybe I've learned in the pro experience, that they can carry on to them and their friends."