




The National Football League (NFL) is dedicated to fostering the growth of women’s flag football worldwide.
In support of colleges and universities, the NFL proudly endorses the RCX Sports Foundation in presenting the Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program. This program aims to empower women globally by offering an annual scholarship for flag football players to attend a U.S. college or university that offers Women’s Varsity Flag Football. Through these scholarships, the RCX Sports Foundation seeks to encourage women to pursue their passion for flag football while furthering their education. Join us in creating a pathway for women to continue their flag football playing career!
Apply below for the Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program today and seize the opportunity to pursue both athletic and educational excellence.
PROGRAM DETAILS
One scholarship* will be awarded each academic year to an eligible female athlete.
Up to $75,000 in Annual Support
Each year, the recipient will receive a one-time award of up to $75,000 to cover tuition, housing, books, travel, and room and board.
Continued Assistance When Funds Remain
If funds remain after the first year, they may be used to provide additional support to past scholarship recipients.
Managed & Distributed by RCX Foundation
Scholarship funds will be held by the RCX Sports Foundation and distributed before each semester or trimester, as long as eligibility requirements are met.
Application Deadline: April 15
Scholarship Recipient Announced: May 15
Recipients will have the opportunity to receive mentorship from influential leaders in the flag football community.
*Please note this program is subject to change or discontinuation at any time
Eligibility and Requirements:
To qualify for the Women’s Flag Football Scholarship, applicants must:
- Be a national from a country outside of the United States (U.S.)
- Be at least 18 years old by the start of their first academic year.
- Applicants under 18 may still apply but must have a parent or legal guardian provide consent.
- Apply and be admitted to a U.S. college or university that offers a Women’s Varsity Flag Football program. International athletes already enrolled and rostered on a Women’s Flag Football team at a U.S. collegiate institution will also be considered.
- Submit an essay of 1000 words or less describing the impact flag football has had on them and their motivation to play at the collegiate level.
- Show acceptable proof of high school graduation as defined by the district, state, province, or country.
- Submit SAT/ACT scores (if applicable) and a high school transcript (or equivalent)
- Submit a professional letter of recommendation from a teacher, school counselor, coach, or school administrator.

Expectations to Remain Eligible:
Scholarship recipients may be expected to participate in promotional activities or community events related to the program.
Scholarship recipients must maintain satisfactory academic, behavioral, attendance, and performance standards as defined by their respective college/university and overseen by the NFL*
*The NFL reserves the right to disqualify a scholarship recipient at any time should they fail to meet the requirements of the program and would no longer be eligible to receive any future funding.

Selection Process:
A committee of NFL representatives will review all applications and evaluate candidates based on:
Flag football playing experience and accomplishments.
- Academic record and extracurricular activities.
- Leadership and participation in school and community activities.
- Educational and career goals.
- Personal background and passion for the sport.
- Online recommendation provided.
From the group of finalists, the NFL will select the scholarship recipient who best represents the program’s values and commitment to advancing women’s flag football.
Participating U.S. Colleges and Universities:
The Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program is open to any institution offering a Women’s Flag Football program. Click the link below for a list of schools that offer (or plan to offer) women’s flag football. Please note that this list is not comprehensive, as additional schools may also recognize the program.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Find answers to the most common questions about eligibility, funding, timelines, and how the scholarship works.
Scholarship Length
- The scholarship is a one-time award that covers expenses related to tuition, housing, meals, transportation, books.
- Scholarship recipients may be eligible to receive additional scholarship funds in subsequent years, pending funding availability. This amount would not be guaranteed.
How is the money disbursed?
- Money related to tuition and books, and other school related supplies, would be disbursed directly to the school.
- Money related to housing, meals, and transportation would be disbursed directly to the athlete.
Varsity vs. Club Team
- The grant is only available for athletes playing on a varsity women’s flag football team.
Multiple Scholarships
- Applicants who receive a scholarship from another source are eligible to receive the scholarship and would serve to supplement any gaps in financial aid from the primary scholarship. If an applicant was to receive a full scholarship, then they would not be eligible for this grant.
What schools are offering women’s varsity flag football?
- Please navigate to the bottom of the page for a downloadable excel file that lists the colleges who offer an active women’s varsity flag football team, as well as schools who plan to offer a team in an upcoming season.
- Additionally, the Collegiate Flag Football newsletter (linked below) provides relevant information related to institutions offering women’s flag football.
Application Timing
- The majority of international students will apply for Fall intake (starting in late August or early September), though some may apply for Spring intake, which would start in January. The majority of international students will apply for Fall intake (starting in late August or early September), though some may apply for Spring intake, which would start in January.
- Applicants typically apply during the early part of their senior year (grade 12).
- There are four methods of applying to college in the U.S.:
- Early Decision (ED) – usually due in early November, with an admission decision by December
- If accepted, you are obligated to attend
- Early Action (EA) – usually due in early November, with an admission decision by December
- Regular Decision (RD) – usually due in early January, with an admission decision by March/April
- Rolling Admission – application deadline varies by college, with an admission decision usually within 4-6 weeks.
- Early Decision (ED) – usually due in early November, with an admission decision by December
Applying to an NCAA or NAIA School
- NCAA Institution (Divisions I, II, III)
- If applying to an NCAA institution, you must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center and have your amateur status verified in order to obtain your amateurism certification.
- NAIA
- If applying to an NAIA institution, you must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center to receive an eligibility determination in order to play.
Testing Requirements
- ACT and SAT standardized tests
- Most colleges accept either score, so students may choose the test they score higher on.
- U.S. applicants generally take this exam during their junior year (grade 11).
- You may take the test multiple times and submit your top score.
- Exams are offered infrequently, make sure to identify testing dates well ahead of time.
- IELTS and TOEFL standardized tests
- Tests that assess your English proficiency if English is not your primary language.
- If you score high enough in the English section of the ACT/SAT, you may not be required to take these tests.
- Both tests contain reading, listening, speaking, and writing components.
- U.S. applicants generally take this exam during their junior year (Grade 11).
- You may take the test multiple times and submit your top score.
- Because exams are offered infrequently, plan your test dates early.
- You can take the test multiple times and submit your best score; most schools require a minimum overall score.
High School Transcript and GPA
- Transcript
- You must submit your high school academic record, covering grades 9 through 12.
- Grade Point Average (G.P.A.)
- A GPA reflects one’s academic performance throughout one’s high school career and is generally graded in one of three ways:
- 4.0 scale (4 being the best)
- Letter grade (example = A+ or B-)
- Percentage (out of 100%)
- Converting scores may be difficult so report your scores as they are on any college application.
- A GPA reflects one’s academic performance throughout one’s high school career and is generally graded in one of three ways:
Letters of Recommendation
- Letters of recommendation should come from teachers, school counselors, or coaches who can attest to your academic abilities and overall character.
- Students should strategically consider who they ask for their recommendations.
- If you want to study mathematics in college, consider asking your math teacher for a recommendation.
- As an aspiring flag football athlete, strongly consider asking your flag coach for a recommendation.
College Essays
- Typically, the application will provide a variety of prompts to choose from that ask you to discuss your identity, reflect your interests, or recount a formative experience.
- The goal is to “show, not tell”. Use stories and anecdotes to portray facets of yourself that may not appear in your academic or extracurricular record. Highlighting cultural insights may help to shed light on your upbringing and what you’ll bring to the college campus and community.
Factors to Consider when Applying
- When deciding where to apply, consider the factors that will help you find the best fit as a student-athlete.
- Strength of athletic program and coaching staff
- Majors and academic curriculum
- Location (rural, city, suburban) and campus size
- Weather and geography (east/west coast, near an airport, etc.)
- Cost and financial aid options
- Culture and student life
Additional Resources
- https://www.collegiateflagfootball.com/
- CollegeAdvisor.com – College Application Guide
- Next College Student Athlete (NCSA) – College Application Guide
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) – Applying Internationally
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) – Maintaining Eligibility
- National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) – Flyer
- National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) – Applying Internationally
- NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete
Apply for the Women’s Flag Football International Scholarship Program
Apply now for the Women’s Flag Football International Scholarship Program and unlock financial support and mentorship from leaders in women’s flag football.
