On Sunday, August 2nd, 2009 Seacoast United dedicated Field 3 at their Outdoor Complex in Epping, NH after Jarkko Tuominen, a long time supporter of the Club and an employee of Nike Soccer.  Jarkko passed away on September 23, 2005 at the age of 37.  He was a dual Finnish/American citizen living half his life in Finland before moving to Oregon on a soccer scholarship to Concordia University.  Jarkko graduated in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Marketing and played on their soccer team all four years.  He broke several records at Concordia during his playing career, some of which still stand today, and was recently inducted into the Concordia University Hall of Fame. 

Jarkko Tuominen passed away on September 23, 2005 by an accidental fall on a beach trip with friends.  He was the soulmate and forever love of Stephanie Jenness, the son of the late Jarkko Tuominen and is survived by his mother Kati Tuominen-Maki, brother Juha, sister Kaisa, step-father Mel Maki, step-brothers Erik and Shaun Maki, step-sister Liisa Maki, and also countless friends, co-workers, and relatives.  Stephanie and Jarkko had just moved back to Oregon from Rhode Island so he could take a new position as the Pro Player/U.S. Soccer Federation Manager at Nike Headquarters in Beaverton.  His last three years with Nike were as a top  soccer sales representative.  Jarkko spent ten years with Nike Soccer, both in sales and marketing, during which he developed a wonderful relationship with Seacoast United.  He was a vibrant life force who touched everyone in his path and he always had a smile on his face.  He was loved immensely and will never be forgotten, because his heart will be in our hearts, forever.

"Jarkko was a dear friend to all of us at the Club and a Seacoast United fan through and through.  We loved him and while we miss his big smile and sense of humor he will forever be a part of Seacoast United, especially now that we have a field dedicated in his honor," expressed Paul Willis, the Club’s Executive Director.  In addition to the field dedication, the Club has held a memorial golf tournament in Jarkko’s name every August at Abenaqui Country Club in Rye.  As part of the golf tournament, the Club also awards deserving high school seniors from Seacoast United Soccer Club, Lacrosse Club, Field Hockey Club, and Seacoast United Maine with college scholarships in Jarkko Tuominen’s name.