ARPA and RCX Sports Launch Partnership to Increase Youth Sports Accessibility Across Alabama

MONTGOMERY, AL. (April 6, 2023) – RCX Sports announced a new partnership today with the Alabama Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA) as part of an initiative to expand the accessibility of youth sports across Alabama.

Alabama is the first state to form a collaboration with RCX Sports, which will bring their signature youth sports programs to ARPA’s agency list comprised of more than 500 individual members of parks and recreation departments, townships, leisure services and other agencies.

RCX Sports offers experiential youth sports opportunities in collaboration with major professional sports leagues, such as NFL FLAG, NHL STREET, Jr. NBA Leagues, MLB Pitch, Hit & Run and Jr. Home Run Derby, designed to empower youth athletes of all backgrounds to “Play with the Pros.” Now, Alabama youth athletes can access these programs through local ARPA organizations across the state, including the NFL FLAG Alabama league, which will have a statewide annual tournament.

RCX Sports will provide the equipment for these programs and facilitate the setup process for ARPA member agencies. Alabama families will have the opportunity to enroll their children in several youth sports leagues, with each athlete getting the chance to don the logo of professional sports teams on their jerseys.

The Alabama native, seven-year NFL veteran and UAB football alum, Izell Reese, is leading this initiative at the helm of RCX Sports as company CEO. Reese has remained engaged at the grassroots level of Alabama youth sports by launching a free football camp in his hometown of Dothan along with a community center which include turf fields for flag football.

“As a native of Dothan, Alabama, I’m excited to work with ARPA to give back, not only to my community, but to dozens of communities across my home state,” said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports. “This will allow us to expand the accessibility and inclusivity of our youth sports experiences to thousands of young Alabama athletes and instill skills that can be used on and off the playing field.”

Established in 1943, ARPA is a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional organization that enables parks and recreation affiliates and professionals, through educational and networking opportunities, to enhance the quality of life for citizens of Alabama.

Through its programs, ARPA aims to benefit Alabama’s economy, environment, communities and individuals. As part of the collaboration, they will organize coaching and training clinics as well as coordinate an annual statewide flag football tournament using NFL FLAG rules.

“Working alongside RCX Sports will allow us to better live out our mission of ensuring health, wellness, safety and access for all,” said Natalie Norman, Executive Director at ARPA. “The experiential youth sports programs they conduct are well-produced, affordable, inclusive and gives our agencies another offering to keep athletes healthy and active.”

Alabama families can expect to see these “Play with the Pros” opportunities come to life for youth athletes as early as summer of 2023. ARPA’s statewide partner agencies will receive information as it becomes available.

RCX Sports’ partnership is a continuation of their commitment to enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of youth sports and ARPA’s dedication to making a difference in their communities. To learn more, visit rcxfoundation.wpengine.com.