About WCMF

Walt Chyzowych, a man who helped shape soccer in America, died unexpectedly at age 57 in 1994. Chyzowych served as US National Team and Olympic Coach and as Director of Coaching for US Soccer. Under Chyzowych's leadership, US Soccer Coaching Schools trained thousands of coaches in a methodology and with a philosophy which now characterizes American soccer.

In memory of Walt Chyzowych's life long work and in recognition of his legacy, the Walt Chyzowych Memorial Fund (WCMF) was established shortly after his passing and continues today to honor those like Walt who have dedicated themselves to the Game of Soccer in America.

Administered by a national Board of Directors, the WCMF dispenses funds to aspiring coaches and to NSCAA Scholar Athletes who exemplify the principles of life and sport as espoused and exemplified by Walt Chyzowych.

WCMF Achievement Award

Latest News & Events

• The Walt Chyzowych Memorial Fund (WCMF) mourns the passing of its long time friend Jim Benedek of Dallas, Texas. Benedek, 63, died early Monday morning from complications after a long fight with cancer.

  

  Jim Benedek
  1945 - 2009

  Benedek is remembered as a former All-American player at Ithaca College in the mid-1960s and played six seasons in the North American Soccer League. He earned four caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team and was also a member of the US Soccer Olympic team in 1968.

  He also served on the staff of US Soccer Coaching Schools where he worked alongside Walt Chyzowych developing a lifelong friendship . Benedek regularly attended meetings of the WCMF at NSCAA National Conventions including the recent convention in St. Louis this past January.

  In 1974, Southern Methodist University hired Benedek to begin a men’s soccer team at the school where he remained until 1984. Benedek also spent several years as an assistant coach with the Hungary National Team. Benedek is survived by his wife Debbie and sons, Grant and Michael.

  Memorial Service for Jim Benedek

  Date: Satrurday, April 4, 2009
  Time: 11:00 am
  Where: Southern Methodist University Moody Coliseum (see link below for map of SMU campus)
  Dallas, TX
  smu.edu/maps/