Benson Bruins Youth Football and Cheer

The Benson Bruins Football storage sheds were broken into and virtually the entire football helmet inventory and and about 50 pads were stolen. Unfortunately our insurance does not cover equipment theft.

We are heartbroken that someone would do this to our organization, and especially our kids. It’s hard to express the magnitude of how devasting this is for a youth football team in mid-July. It’s not just the value of the equipment, it’s also the fact that this is the second week of practice and the most difficult time of year to even find helmets to purchase.

The sheds are located at 116th SE & 168th SE across from the 7-11 in Renton. If you saw anyone loading up equipment – or saw anyone with a bunch of black helmets, please contact the Renton Police Department and reference case # 23-8241.

Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to us and to all of the children who dedicate their time and talent daily. Any contribution will help to make an impact.

The nationally ranked 10U Benson Bruins has wrap up their fourth straight undefeated season and fourth straight championship victory in the Northwest Premier Youth Football League. Following league play, the team will continue training and fundraising to make their run for a national championship. They are currently ranked #1 on the West Coast and 13th nationally.

Founded in 1977, the Benson Bruins have been developing young football players and cheerleaders in Renton for 45 years. Coach Chris Vala joined the Benson Bruins organization as an Assistant Coach in 2018 and helped lead the 8U team to become league champions. Coach Vala took over as Head Coach in 2019 and has gone undefeated in league play since taking the helm. This season, Benson is undefeated at the 10U level and has had just 12 points scored against them collectively in total the entire season.

The Bruins 10U team will travel to Florida in December to represent Washington in the FBU National Championship Tournament. “Football University is the biggest event in youth football”. The cost to participate and transport the team to Florida is approximately $40,268. The team has already raised 30% of their fundraising goal and has set up a Go Fund Me to help raise the remaining funds.

Please help our Benson Bruins 10U and 12U Teams Make Their National Championship Dreams a Reality!

We’re reaching out to our community to support not just one, but two incredible teams—the Benson Bruins 10U and 12U—who have earned the chance to compete on the national stage at the American Youth Football (AYF) National Tournament in Florida this December. After dominating their league seasons and securing undefeated records, both teams are ready to represent Washington and the Pacific Northwest at one of the largest youth football tournaments in the country. But to get there, we need your help.

The 12U team, led by Head Coach Chris Vala, finished their season undefeated for the sixth year in a row and claimed their 6th straight championship in the Northwest Premier Youth Football League. They scored an impressive 619 points, holding their opponents to just 24 points all season. They have also won 5 Washington State Championships. Meanwhile, the 10U team, led by Head Coach Gabe Taito, also dominated their league, scoring 418 points and allowing only 18 points across the season. Both teams are ranked among the best nationally, and they’ve earned the honor to represent not only Washington, but the entire Pacific Northwest as they chase the national title.

The Benson Bruins organization, established in 1977, has over 45 years of history building not just strong athletes, but exceptional young men and women who learn life lessons through football. For these young athletes, football is so much more than a game. It’s where they’ve learned discipline, teamwork, and resilience—and it’s given them a strong foundation that will support them in every stage of life. Coaches Vala and Taito have guided these teams to an extraordinary season, and now the teams have the chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to compete at Nationals.

However, achieving this dream comes with a hefty price tag. To cover the cost of travel, lodging, meals, and tournament fees for both teams, we’re aiming to raise $70,000. This is where we need the support of our friends, families, and community to make this dream possible.

Your contribution to our GoFundMe page isn’t just a donation; it’s a way of showing these kids that their hard work matters and that their community believes in them. By supporting the Benson Bruins 10U and 12U teams, you’re investing in the future of these young athletes, helping them build memories, friendships, and character that will last a lifetime. Every donation, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to Florida. Even if you’re unable to donate, sharing our story can make a huge difference.

Please join us in supporting these incredible teams on their road to Nationals. Let’s show them what the strength of a community can do. Thank you for helping make their dreams a reality!

Benson Bruins is a 501(c)3 Non-profit organization.