Ambassadors FC Ohio and Ambassadors Football Club were blessed to honor the legacy of two individuals whose lives and contributions have left a lasting impact on the program, the club, and the broader Ambassadors family.
In a special ceremony, Ambassadors FC Ohio officially retired the No. 7 jersey in honor of Jack Benak and Jon Szydlowski, two players forever connected through friendship, faith, and their shared place in the story of Ambassadors Football.
The club was honored to welcome former Ambassadors FC Ohio player Jon Szydlowski and his parents, Amy and Mike, as part of the jersey retirement recognition.
Jon was an original member of Ambassadors FC Ohio, joining the program in 2021 after a standout career at Twinsburg High School and Calvin University. During his high school career, Jon earned All-Conference, All-Greater Cleveland, and All-Akron Area First Team honors, and was also recognized with the Ohio High School Athletic Association Sportsmanship Award.
From the program’s first season through his retirement from competitive play following the 2025 NPSL and OVPL seasons, Jon was a key figure in the growth and identity of Ambassadors FC Ohio. A midfielder and winger, he was part of the 2021 Northern Ohio Soccer League championship team in the program’s inaugural season and the 2024 League Cup championship team.
During Jon’s time with the club, Ambassadors FC Ohio qualified for the playoffs and league semifinals in every season of competition. The program also expanded to include two teams competing in separate regional and national leagues, including the club’s 2025 transition into the National Premier Soccer League.
In 2023, Jon transferred to the University of Mount Union, where he became part of a collegiate program that reached the Ohio Athletic Conference tournament final. He was also recognized as an Academic All-OAC honoree and a CSC Academic All-District selection.
As an Ambassadors FC Ohio player, Jon leaves a lasting mark in the club record book. He ranks third all-time in appearances with 64, ninth all-time in goals with seven, and seventh all-time in assists with eight. His willingness to play multiple positions, serve both the first team and the U23 side, and lead by example made him an invaluable part of the program’s ethos.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Jon served as a spiritual and Christian leader for his teammates. His example of humility, commitment, service, and faith continues to reflect the mission of Ambassadors Football in life beyond the game.
The No. 7 jersey holds special significance for Jon and the Ambassadors FC Ohio family. Jon chose to wear No. 7 in honor of his high school teammate, Ambassadors teammate, and dear friend, Jack Benak.
Jack was an exceptional midfielder, a four-year varsity starter at Twinsburg High School, and a dominant presence within the 2000 birth year Ambassadors Football Club youth teams. He competed alongside current Ambassadors FC Ohio Head Coach and Technical Director Ryan Dean and was widely respected as both a player and teammate.
Jack went on to commit to Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, where he appeared in all 19 matches of his freshman season in the fall of 2019, scoring one goal and contributing one assist. He was set to become a foundational member of the inaugural Ambassadors FC Ohio men’s program.
Tragically, Jack passed away in the spring of 2020, leaving a hole in his family, his community, and the Ambassadors family that can never be filled.
From the very beginning of the Ambassadors FC Ohio program, Jack has played on with the team. His initials, along with those of Hayden Keyser, whom the Ambassadors family also lost in 2021, have been carried on the sleeve of every kit the team wears. Their memory remains not only on the club’s uniforms, but on the hearts and souls of those who continue the mission each day.
By permanently retiring the No. 7 jersey, Ambassadors FC Ohio honors Jack Benak, his parents Denise and John Benak, and his sister Elle, along with Jon Szydlowski and his family.
The retired No. 7 kit was presented to Jon and his family as a lasting symbol of remembrance, gratitude, and legacy.
Ambassadors FC Ohio is deeply thankful for Jon, Jack, and their families, and for the ways they have shaped, strengthened, and blessed the Ambassadors Football family and mission.
The No. 7 jersey will forever represent friendship, faith, leadership, service, and the enduring legacy of lives lived for something greater than the game.
