The Duluth soccer community lost one of its heroes last year. Bob Pratt died of cancer on May 1, 2011 at the age of 58. Bob was, at various times, the Congdon club coordinator, the East club coordinator, a member of Arrowhead Youth Soccer Association Board of Directors, a founder and active member of Fields for Duluth, a founder of the East Select Soccer Club, a and a founder of the Lake Superior Open Soccer Tournament. Bob was also an active coach for many years and volunteered in many other soccer projects. Bob was instrumental in establishing several soccer fields in Duluth and was arguably the primary force behind the establishment of the Jean Duluth Soccer Complex.
For years Bob recognized the need for a building at the Jean Duluth complex that would provide much needed weather shelter and storage, as well as a permanent concessions facility. Towards the end of his life he began to work in earnest on this project. After Bob’s death a memorial was established to finish his work, and erect a building in Bob’s memory. Plans have been developed for the building, A ground breaking ceremony was held September 19, and the slab will be in by late October. We continue to fundraise to ensure that we have adequate funds for this project.
You can contribute to this very worthy cause with a donation to the Bob Pratt Memorial Fund at Fields for Duluth. Please make your check to Fields for Duluth and indicate that you would like the funds to go to the Bob Pratt Memorial Fund. Please send your check to: AYSA, 3501 Grand Ave. Duluth, MN 55807. All funds received will go directly to building construction costs. All donations are tax deductible.
