Izell Reese is the Chief Executive Officer of RCX Sports and the Executive Director of NFL FLAG. A seven-year NFL veteran, Izell is driven to make youth sports more accessible and inclusive by partnering with the nation’s largest sports leagues – NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS – to empower youth athletes of all backgrounds to “Play with the Pros.” Reese’s impact has been most prolific in the flag football arena, where he was recently named a 2023 NFL FLAG Global Ambassador and has grown participation to 600,000+ youth nationwide. His passion also extends to the local level, where he has been instrumental in paying it forward to the next generation of athletes in his hometown by spearheading grassroots initiatives. 

Garland Cooper grew up with a passion for playing any sport possible, ultimately settling on softball. Her dedication to the game led her to play at the collegiate and professional levels, providing her with unforgettable experiences and opportunities to travel the world. The life lessons and skills she gained from softball continue to influence her daily life.
In her current role, Garland operationalizes various aspects of youth sports, overseeing supply chain, customer management/success, and the events team. She is dedicated to creating memorable experiences for kids worldwide across multiple sports, giving back to the sports community that has given her so much. Beyond her professional responsibilities, Garland’s life revolves around logistics. With three children active in sports and a busy work and travel schedule, she and her sports-enthusiast husband manage the intricate logistics of their household, ensuring they never miss a practice, school event, or dress-up day. As a working mom and the mother of girls involved in sports, Garland’s passion for youth sports has only grown. Watching her own children experience the joy of sport is deeply fulfilling. She hopes that their involvement in sports will positively impact their lives and teach them the valuable lessons that have helped her achieve her goals both on and off the field.

Kathleen Forsyth brings over 20 years of expertise and dedication to youth sports. As Co-Founder of National Flag Football, she grew the program from two leagues in Michigan to over 100 leagues in 12 states, serving over 45,000 youth participants annually. Kathleen’s background in strategic planning, financial management, and leadership is complemented by her commitment to eliminating barriers for underrepresented groups in youth sports. She has demonstrated her dedication through extensive fundraising efforts, organizing events that have raised substantial funds for organizations like The Rainbow Connection, ChadTough, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Game on Cancer. Her philanthropic efforts underscore her deep-rooted commitment to compassion, generosity, and social responsibility, making a meaningful difference in the community and fostering inclusivity in sports.