united sports foundation

JARKKO TUOMINEN COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP

The Jarkko Tuominen College Scholarship is a merit-based award given to graduating high school seniors who will be attending a two or four-year college or university. Recipients will have demonstrated excellence in academics and leadership and a commitment to community service, particularly in the areas of competitive youth sports. This application is an opportunity to showcase your strengths in the areas of academics, leadership, and community service. Please keep this in mind as you are writing your required essay. Additionally, you will need to submit two reference letters from coaches or community service programs with which you have been involved

Jarkko, a native of Finland came to America to attend Concordia University (OR) on a soccer scholarship. "Jarks", as he was affectionately known, went on to become a Nike Soccer employee who worked in both marketing and sales and enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Seacoast United Sports Club. Since his untimely passing, the United Sports Foundation, in partnership with Seacoast United Sports Club, has awarded scholarships in his name to qualifying graduates each year since.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible applicants are New England-based, high school senior student-athletes, enrolling in a two- or four-year college or university program this fall.

 * You must be a current or past SUSC team member.

OR

*You must be a current competitive athlete in any sport, play for a town program or play for your high school team.

Additionally, applicants MUST submit two letters of recommendation from a coach or an advisor for a community service program.

APPLICATIONS

Directions:

• Fill out the Jarkko Tuominen College Scholarship application form by Friday, April 10, 2026.

• Upload proof of acceptance to college/university.

• Upload two letters of recommendation.

• While we prefer the application to be filled out electronically, it can be printed from the link above, filled out and either scanned and emailed to info@utdsportsfoundation.org or mailed directly to Executive Director, United Sports Foundation, 88 Shirking Road, Epping, NH 03042. Mailed applications postmarked after Friday, April 10, 2026 will not be considered.

ABOUT JARKKO TUOMINEN

A proud dual citizen of Finland and the United States, Jarkko spent the first half of his life in Finland before moving to Oregon to attend Concordia University on a full athletic scholarship. He earned a bachelor's degree in Sports Marketing in 1994 while excelling as a four-year member of the university's men's soccer team. His exceptional talent and dedication helped establish several program records, many of which remained unbroken for years. In recognition of his remarkable contributions to Concordia athletics, he was later inducted into the Concordia University Hall of Fame.

After graduation, Jarkko built a distinguished 10-year career with Nike, where he combined his passion for soccer with his professional expertise. Shortly before his passing, he began a new role as Pro Player/U.S. Soccer Federation Manager at Nike's headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon. During his final three years with the company, he became one of Nike's top soccer sales representatives, earning the respect of colleagues and partners throughout the industry.

Those who knew Jarkko remember far more than his professional accomplishments or athletic success. He possessed a rare ability to make others feel welcome, valued, and inspired. His genuine kindness, unwavering optimism, generous spirit, and infectious smile left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. Whether with family, friends, teammates, or coworkers, Jarkko approached life with enthusiasm, integrity, and a deep appreciation for the people around him.

Although his life was cut tragically short, Jarkko's legacy endures through the countless lives he touched. He is remembered not only for what he achieved, but for the extraordinary person he was—a devoted son, brother, partner, teammate, colleague, and friend.

Congratulations to the 2024 recipients of the Jarkko Tuominen Memorial Scholarship.