Games for good

The Quad Cities Community Foundation supports the nonprofits and donors who keep sports, recreation, and community spirit thriving in the Quad Cities region.  

Since 2007, the Seth Ernst Memorial Soccer Slam Tournament has welcomed soccer lovers from all reaches to Geneseo, Illinois, for a weekend of competition and fun. Proceeds from the tournament support a scholarship for local high school students as well as community nonprofits. The tournament and scholarship were organized to memorialize Seth, son of David and Betty Ernst, who tragically lost his life on October 15, 2000. 

“The Ernsts and the community they have created through this event exemplify the great power of philanthropy and generosity,” said Anne Calder, vice president of development at the Community Foundation. “Their fund represents a profound legacy for Seth—one that continues to grow and reach more and more people for good.”

Seth was a junior varsity soccer player from Geneseo. His parents remember his passion on and off the field. “Seth was competitive, but more than that, he had a deep love of the game and sportsmanship,” said David. “From the beginning, the tournament has rewarded fun, accessibility, and teamwork above winning. That is the spirit Seth lived and played with, and it is what we honor with this tournament and the good it creates.”

As the Soccer Slam prepares for its 18th year, David and Betty reflect on the tournament’s growth and evolution. Over the years, they have added events like a costume contest to make the tournament even more fun for players and spectators. A recent partnership with the nonprofit STRIVE—an intermediate care facility in Prophetstown, Illinois, for individuals who are diagnosed as developmentally disabled—has made the tournament more accessible and helped to fund new projects for STRIVE.

“Over the years, we’ve watched this little soccer family grow,” said Betty. “The players, the volunteers, partner organizations, and our community have helped the tournament reach more people and make a bigger impact. We’re so grateful for how our neighbors have come together to support the event.”

Honoring the memory of an incredible young man, the tournament has become a highly anticipated annual community event, a valuable recreational opportunity, and a scholarship that benefits local students.

The 18th annual tournament will be held beginning on January 31, 2025.

"The Seth Ernst Memorial Soccer Slam Tournament Fund is part of GIFT (Geneseo Is For Tomorrow), a Geographic Affiliate Fund of the Community Foundation." To learn about starting an endowed fund and supporting local scholarships, reach out to Anne Calder (AnneCalder@QCCommunityFoundation.org) at (563) 326-2840.