Devoted soccer chief steps down Devoted soccer chief steps down (December 15, 2004)

** Bob Frankle has overseen a soccer league of 1,600 players.

After many years of service to soccer players and families in Menlo Park and Atherton, Bob Frankle is stepping down as commissioner of AYSO Region 109.

As vice president of business development for ARACOR, a Sunnyvale high-tech manufacturer, Bob Frankle travels around the world. But to the soccer families of Menlo Park and Atherton, he's the face of American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO).

A resident of Menlo Park and the father of two teenage soccer players, he coached his sons' teams and served as a division commissioner for a decade before taking on the task of leading the region five years ago.

He oversees a soccer league of approximately 1,600 players, hundreds of coaches and referees, and thousands of family members.

"Mostly working behind-the-scenes, his efforts have ensured the continuing success of soccer in our community," said JoAnne Goldberg of Menlo Park, an AYSO Region 109 board member. "He has put his heart and soul into this job, and has quietly made a huge contribution to the quality of life for our families."

Last September, Mr. Frankle announced his resignation as regional commissioner, effective December 31. "The decision was driven by increasing demands on my time at work, my desire to spend more time with my family, and my need to devote more time to my own needs," he said.

He will continue to serve as regional commissioner emeritus.
INFORMATION

New soccer players, parents and other volunteers are welcome to participate in AYSO. For more information on the Menlo Park-Atherton region, see www.mpsoccer.org.

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