Honoring David's Legacy Through Community

6th Annual David Benavidez Memorial Tournament

Service • Community • Healing

October 18, 2025 | Rauner Family YMCA

⚽ Register to Play 💛 Support the Memorial
Featured Story

The Heart of Our Memorial

Watch how one moment of profound tragedy transformed into years of community healing and hope

From Tragedy to Community Strength

The powerful story behind our memorial tournament - how collective grief became collective healing

Six Years of Community Healing

For six consecutive years, the Benavidez family has traveled to Chicago to participate in this moving ceremony. This collaboration predates the official establishment of Chicago Neighborhood Soccer in 2022, representing the earliest foundation of what would eventually become our nonprofit.

What began as a small gathering of formerly separate soccer communities has evolved into one of our most anticipated annual events. The tournament culminates in a heartfelt celebration where the Benavidez family presents awards and shares stories of David's impact—a powerful reminder that through unity and shared purpose, something beautiful can emerge even from profound loss.

This moment consistently reminds participants that we are stronger together than in our separate silos, embodying the collaborative spirit that defines our organization today.

"From the depths of loss came the heights of community" - Watch this story unfold in the video

Be Part of This Continuing Story

Join hundreds of community members in honoring David's legacy while creating new chapters of hope and healing in our neighborhoods.

Join the Memorial Tournament Support the Memorial

David's Legacy Lives On

Remembering a young man whose service to others continues to inspire our community

A Life of Service

David Benavidez embodied the spirit of service. As part of an immigrant family from Ecuador who made Chicago their home, David understood firsthand the challenges many in our city's neighborhoods face. Despite obstacles, he excelled academically, completing his undergraduate degree at UIC while working as a research assistant in the surgery department and preparing applications for medical school.

More than a scholar, David was a supportive family member and a community builder who volunteered at local health clinics while bringing neighbors together through pickup soccer. His passion for addressing health disparities in underserved communities made him a powerful role model for young people overcoming adversity.

In 2018, at just 23, David's promising life was cut tragically short by a rare blood disease, but his impact continues to grow through our annual tournament and the lives he touched.

Previous Tournament Impact

Community Health

Supporting health initiatives serving immigrant families in our neighborhoods

Children with Rare Diseases

Funding research and support for families facing rare medical conditions

Youth Soccer Programs

Equipment and programming for underresourced neighborhoods

Healthcare Mentorship

Programs for aspiring healthcare professionals in underserved communities

Tournament Action Highlights

Experience the excitement and skill of our 2024 memorial tournament

Playing for a cause brings out serious ballers - witness the level of competition when community and skill unite

Championship Goals

Spectacular moments from the tournament finals that had everyone on their feet

Competitive and Fun

Serious players bringing their A-game while supporting an important community cause

Victory Celebration

The joy and pride of our tournament champions honoring David's legacy

Tournament Details

Everything you need to know for September 20th

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When

October 18, 2025
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Ceremony with Benavidez family

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Where

Rauner Family YMCA
2700 S Western Ave, Chicago, IL
Public transit accessible

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Format

8v8 Soccer Tournament
Group stage + playoffs
Competitive, open to all

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Ceremony

Closing Celebration
Awards by Benavidez family
Community remembrance

Join the Memorial

Your participation honors David's memory while supporting community health initiatives

"Every participant becomes part of David's continuing legacy of service to community health. Your participation is tremendously appreciated by the Benavidez family - we are all grateful for your support in honoring David's memory."

MEMORIAL SPONSORSHIP & ENHANCEMENTS

Honor David's Legacy Through Sponsorship

Sponsorship tiers support YMCA Youth Programming in this southwest neighborhood - desperately needed funding that does incredible work for our community's children. Memorial enhancements are separate add-ons that cover operating costs to provide these special touches; without dedicated sponsors, these enhancements won't be available.

Sponsorship Tiers

Community Sponsor
$250

Logo at ceremony, website recognition

+ Recognition on t-shirts & media if enhancement add-on sponsored

Memorial Sponsor
$500

Prominent placement, family recognition, media coverage + previous tier benefits

+ Recognition on t-shirts & media if enhancement add-on sponsored

Legacy Title Sponsor
$1,500+

Naming rights and all previous tier benefits

+ Recognition on t-shirts & media if enhancement add-on sponsored

Optional Memorial Enhancement Add-Ons

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Memorial T-Shirts

Custom tournament shirts for all participants and the Benavidez family

+$1,000

Sponsor gets prominent logo placement on all shirts

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Professional Documentation

Photography & videography to preserve memories for the family

+$750

Sponsor gets prominent placement in all media content

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Memorial Keepsakes

Engraved keychains and tokens for lasting remembrance

+$500

Sponsor gets prominent placement on all keepsakes

"Estas mejoras significan todo para nuestra familia—nos ayudan a preservar la memoria de David y hacer este día verdaderamente especial para todos los que vienen a honrarlo."

— La Familia Benavidez

💛 Register as Sponsor Below

Email us at nbhdsoccer@gmail.com to discuss details - we can work with you to optimize your sponsorship and make a lasting impact

Individual Registration
$55
  • Placed on available memorial team
  • Participation in memorial ceremony
  • Family gratitude and recognition

Registration Deadline: October 16, 2025

Team Registration
$500
  • Full team entry (8-16 players)
  • Team recognition at ceremony
  • Special acknowledgment from family

Memorial Tournament Registration

Join us in honoring David's legacy

We will contact you within 48 hours with next steps