Press Release Archives | RCX Foundation

RCX Sports Launches Foundation to Promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Youth Sports

Non-profit arm of RCX Sports aims to bring “Sports for All” through grant funding and programming initiatives for under-resourced youth

ATLANTA, GA (July 18, 2024) – RCX Sports, the leader in creating accessible, inclusive youth sports experiences, today announced the launch of the RCX Sports Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing, promoting and implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives in youth sports. The Foundation will focus on expanding opportunities for all children to experience athletics in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

“At RCX Sports, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy, camaraderie and life-long benefits that come with playing sports,” said RCX Sports CEO Izell Reese. “The launch of the RCX Sports Foundation represents our commitment to breaking down barriers and creating a more equitable youth sports landscape. I’m especially excited to see the Foundation’s impact on our Females in Flag initiative, which encourages and provides opportunities for girls to get involved in the game of flag football.”

The news comes ahead of this weekend’s NFL FLAG Championships Presented by Toyota in Canton, OH, where the best NFL FLAG athletes will be competing in front of a national audience. More than 700,000 athletes competed in NFL FLAG this past season, with more than 2,800 making it all the way to the Championships. Thanks to the Foundation, more kids than ever will be able to take part in NFL FLAG.

The Foundation will partner with community organizations, schools and youth sports programs across the country to provide resources, training and support to help under-resourced youth and families access these opportunities. Key initiatives will include providing scholarships and grants to underserved communities and advocating for policies that promote access and equity in youth sports. Partners with the RCX Foundation already include the Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer (MLS).

The first iteration of the Foundation’s pro sports partnerships came in April when MLS launched the MLS GO PLAY FUND, to support access to, participation in, and the growth of soccer for children across the country. As part of this initiative, the RCX Foundation will help administer the MLS GO PLAY FUND, which will provide grants to recreational soccer organizations to cover player registration fees.

“Our goal is to create a youth sports culture where every child feels valued, respected and empowered to reach their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances,” said RCX Foundation Managing Director Madison Cortese. “By working together with our partners and professional leagues and franchises, we can make a real impact in the lives of young athletes and build a more inclusive future and embody ‘Sports for All.’”

“We look forward to continue growing the game at the grassroots level and increasing participation and access to soccer through these partnerships and the implementation of the MLS GO PLAY FUND and MLS GO PLAYBOOK,” said Kyle Albrecht, Vice President & General Manager, MLS NEXT & MLS GO.

According to data from the NFHS, the national governing body for state high school athletic associations, girls participating in flag football nationwide has increased 32% since 2018, and is continuing to grow to the collegiate level. In addition, 11 states have now sanctioned girls’ flag football as a championship sport at the high school level. The Females in Flag initiative has already opened doors for thousands of female flag football athletes and will continue in that mission under the RCX Sports Foundation. Last year, Allison Gandlin was named as the first ever Female NFL FLAG Player of the Year at NFL Honors, and a new finalist will be announced at this year’s Championships. Through the Foundation, RCX will operate 8-10 college showcases for female flag football athletes in 2024, as well as operating flag football championship finals at the NAIA and NJCAA levels. Thanks to the Foundation, girls at any level will be able to chase their flag football dreams.

As one of the first professional franchises to partner with the RCX Foundation, the Colts are providing resources to increase access for female athletes in NFL FLAG leagues across Indiana, including gear and funding to underserved middle schools and organizations around the state.

The Grandview Field at the Izell Reese Community Center in Dothan, AL, also is a key component of the Foundation. Grandview Field is a multi-purpose sport facility with a full-size, turf NFL FLAG football field that can also be converted into an MLS GO pitch. The facility is also currently the site of an NHL STREET rink and Jr. NBA leagues, with a goal of adding renovated tennis courts for USTA programming. A Dothan native, Reese is committed to bringing “Sports for All” to his hometown.

“Studies show the importance of kids being exposed to multiple sports as they grow up to improve both physical and mental health,” he said. “Through our partnerships with the leagues, clubs and governing bodies, we have a great opportunity to address the challenges these kids face to getting in the game. They deserve to be able to play any sport they want to, and through the foundation, we can help them chase those dreams.”

For more information on the RCX Sports Foundation, visit RCXFoundation.org.

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About RCX Sports

RCX Sports is the premier youth sports operating partner for the NFL, NHL, MLS, MLB, NBA, WNBA and USTA. We provide officially licensed uniforms, comprehensive resources, and dedicated support, empowering league operators to run the very best youth sports leagues and events in their communities.

By working directly with professional leagues and national governing bodies, RCX Sports is the only youth sports organization trusted by the pros to operate NFL FLAG, NHL STREET, MLS GO, MLB Pitch, Hit & Run, and Jr. NBA Leagues. Our mission is to ensure every child has the opportunity to play the game they love by making youth sports accessible and inclusive for all.

For more information, visit www.rcxsports.com.

About the RCX Sports Foundation

The RCX Sports Foundation works to develop, promote, and implement diversity and inclusion in youth sports as the non-profit arm of RCX Sports. The foundation focuses on expanding youth sports opportunities so all children can experience athletics in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment.

Atlantic East Conference Announces Partnership with NFL/RCX Sports to Sponsor Female Flag Football

Media, Press Release

Atlantic East Conference Announces Partnership with the NFL and RCX Sports to Sponsor Female Flag Football

ATLANTA, GA (June 5, 2023) – The Atlantic East Conference, in partnership with the NFL and RCX Sports, along with support from the Philadelphia Eagles, announced its plan to be the first NCAA Conference – Division I, II or III – to offer varsity female flag football with an anticipated start date of Spring 2025.

“Establishing women’s flag football has been a great honor for us and I am so excited to provide this opportunity for female athletes around the country,” said Atlantic East Commissioner Jessica Huntley. “The ever-growing high school ranks makes this a valuable step for our schools and the commitment to future growth with our athletic programs and women’s sports. I truly appreciate all of the guidance and support from the NFL, RCX Sports, and the Philadelphia Eagles.”

While varsity level status will not begin until Spring 2025, there are plans to offer club level opportunities and weekend tournaments for all participating next Spring (2024). The first season will include five institutions – Centenary, Cabrini, Immaculata, Marymount, and Neumann.

“When we started our girls flag league, our goal was to create more opportunities for female youth athletes to play the game by providing them with the equipment and resources needed to feel comfortable and confident engaging in the sport they love,” said Jen Kavanagh, Senior Vice President, Media and Marketing, Philadelphia Eagles. “We look forward to continuing to remove the barriers facing female athletes and supporting the Atlantic East Conference in their endeavors to bring flag football to more women at the collegiate level.”
“I believe sports have the power to transform lives, so one of our goals at RCX Sports is to increase access to flag football for women around the country,” said RCX Sports CEO Izell Reese. “I’m excited about this opportunity with the Atlantic East Conference as the first step towards growing a new generation of college athletes.”

According to the National Federation of State High School Associations, there were over 11,000 participants in flag football in 2018-19. Fifty-two teams across Pennsylvania and New Jersey participated in the 2023 Eagles Girls Flag League presented by Gatorade, Hilco and Planet Fitness this spring, while seven states – Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Nevada and New York – sponsor the sport statewide. More than 1,800 NFL FLAG leagues are expected to take the field in 2023 for athletes as young as eight-years-old up to 17 years of age. As flag football continues to grow, the Atlantic East institutions are excited to provide those high school student-athletes the opportunity to continue with the sport at the collegiate level.

“The NFL, the Eagles, RCX Sports and the Atlantic East Conference working together is an example of how flag football can be expanded at the collegiate level,” said Troy Vincent, Sr., Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations. “The Atlantic East Conference is showing tremendous leadership as the first in the NCAA to elevate Flag, which will provide access for female athletes to play at the next level and further pursue their dreams.”
“Since partnering with the Philadelphia Eagles last season to launch our Girls Flag Football program in the Philadelphia Public League, we’ve seen a rapid growth in the game across our city.” said Jimmy Lynch, Executive Director of Athletics for the School District of Philadelphia and President of the Philadelphia Public League. “Our hope is to have Girls Flag Football become a sanctioned sport in our state in the coming years and to continue expanding on these opportunities for our female student-athletes”.

Women’s collegiate flag football showcases seven players on a football field that is 40 yards in width by 80 yards in length. Each team moves offensively by running or passing a football, while the defense tries to “tackle” by pulling flags on the belt of the ball carrier.

“We are proud to be a leader in the NCAA in providing this opportunity for women athletes,” said Huntley. “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the Atlantic East Conference continues to embrace the growth of women’s sports and this is just another step in our progress.”

ABOUT RCX SPORTS

RCX Sports is the premier youth sports experiences business, running and operating leagues, camps, combines, tournaments, and events. Working directly with professional leagues, national governing bodies, and sports-centric businesses, such as MLS, NFL, Jr. NBA, MLB, NHL, and NAIA, RCX is committed to improving the accessibility and inclusivity of sports by creating opportunities for all athletes to play.

For more information, visit rcxfoundation.wpengine.com.

ABOUT ATLANTIC EAST

The Atlantic East Conference is a member of NCAA Division III comprising seven institutions in a three-state area – Cabrini, Gwynedd Mercy, Immaculata, Marywood and Neumann Universities in Pennsylvania; Centenary University in New Jersey, and Marymount University in Virginia.

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

Media, Press Release

More than 90 Alabama Recreation & Park Association Agencies Gain Access to RCX Sports’ Experiential Programs

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.

About RCX SPORTS

RCX Sports is the premier youth sports experiences business, running and operating leagues, camps, combines, tournaments, and events. Working directly with professional leagues, national governing bodies, and sports-centric businesses, such as the NFL, Jr. NBA, MLB, NHL, and NAIA, RCX is committed to improving the accessibility and inclusivity of sports by creating opportunities for all athletes to play. For more information, visit rcxfoundation.wpengine.com.

About ARPA
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. Learn more online at arpaonline.org.

For more information, contact:

Andrew Felts
andrew@perituspr.com

RCX Sports & NIRSA Join Forces to Grow Flag Football Enhancing Intramural and Club Flag Football

Media, Press Release

PITTSBURGH, PA – RCX Sports, the official operating partner of NFL FLAG, announced a new partnership with NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation. The collaboration, aimed at increasing flag football participation, programming and training across college campuses in the intramural and club sports arenas, will help NIRSA enhance its flag football tournaments, both regionally and nationally, as well as train officials.

“I am excited for this announcement and the opportunities it will provide to continue growing the sport of flag football across the country,” said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports and executive director of NFL FLAG. “I believe that sports are an integral piece of learning for students; they promote leadership and teamwork, both of which are important to future success. Together, we will enhance the student experience and provide accessibility for athletes nationwide at the collegiate level.”

Since its founding in 1950, NIRSA membership has grown to more than 4,000 dedicated professionals, students and associates who serve nearly 10 million students each year through club and recreational sports. RCX and NIRSA aim to enhance the club and intramural flag football experience at more than 900 schools across North America.

As college and university students develop into future leaders, NIRSA members support their learning and growth by fostering lifelong habits of wellbeing. According to NIRSA, leadership, teamwork, dedication, and respect are among the many skills exercised by inclusive competition, fitness, and recreation.

“NIRSA is excited to integrate the experiences and enthusiasm that make our Flag Football programs and NIRSA Championship Series tournaments so popular and prestigious among hundreds of collegiate teams across North America to growing the flag football ecosystem through this new partnership with RCX Sports and NFL FLAG,” says NIRSA Executive Director, Pam Watts, CAE. “Our tournaments are more than just competition. Developing tournament staff and fostering a pipeline of high-quality officials are critical investments for our tournament experiences. We can’t wait to work with RCX Sports and NFL FLAG to grow the game to become more accessible and inclusive,” she adds.

While youth participation in sports has declined 13 percent over the last decade, flag football has become one the fastest growing youth sports in the country with more than 585,000 participants in 2022.

“Not only is flag football growing rapidly across in the youth sports arena, but this collaboration also gives college students who want to continue their football playing careers past high school a chance to get back on the field,” said Troy Vincent, executive vice president of football operations for the NFL. “Flag football is poised for even greater expansion as the cornerstone of the NFL’s domestic and international participation and development strategies.”

RCX Sports’ partnership with NIRSA is a continuation of RCX’s commitment to equip sports leagues with the resources, training and tools they need to promote an accessible and inclusive environment. To learn more, visit rcxfoundation.wpengine.com.

About RCX SPORTS

RCX Sports is the premier youth sports experiences business, running and operating leagues, camps, combines, tournaments, and events. Working directly with professional leagues, national governing bodies, and sports-centric businesses, such as the NFL, Jr. NBA, MLB, NHL, and NAIA, RCX is committed to improving the accessibility and inclusivity of sports by creating opportunities for all athletes to play. For more information, visit rcxfoundation.wpengine.com.

About NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation
NIRSA is the premier association of leaders in collegiate recreation who transform lives and facilitate the development of healthy communities worldwide. By providing opportunities for learning and growth, supporting and sharing meaningful research, and fostering networking among our member community, NIRSA is a leader in higher education and champion for the advancement of recreation, sport, and wellbeing. Supported by the NIRSA Staff team, NIRSA is governed by volunteer leaders from across North America. Learn more online at nirsa.net.

About NFL FLAG
NFL FLAG is an NFL-licensed property of more than 1,800 locally operated leagues and over 585,000 youth athletes across all 50 states and Canada. NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 5-17. Players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football as well as lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG. Learn more online at nflflag.com.

For more information, contact:

Andrew Felts
andrew@perituspr.com

NJCAA, NFL and RCX Announce Joint Women’s Flag Football Effort

Press Release

CHICAGO, IL – Following the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Board of Regents meeting in February, the NJCAA has officially announced women’s flag football as an emerging sport in a joint effort with the National Football League (NFL) and Reigning Champs Experiences (RCX).

“This is an exciting time for the NJCAA and particularly the advancement of female opportunities in our association,” stated Dr. Christopher Parker, NJCAA President & CEO. “As the first national collegiate athletic association in the United States to integrate women’s athletics, this is another major milestone in the association’s history.”

With the partnership, the NFL will provide a $150,000 grant to the NJCAA Foundation for distribution to NJCAA member colleges that declare their intent to participate in the sport over the next two years. The NJCAA Foundation, along with the NFL and RCX, will award $10,000 grants to 15 member colleges to move the initiative a step closer towards becoming a full championship sport over the next few years.

“The expansion of women’s flag football as a varsity sport at the two-year college level is yet another historic achievement for women’s collegiate sports,” said Troy Vincent, Sr., NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. “We are excited to partner with the NJCAA in providing the opportunity for female student athletes to experience the tremendous values, life benefits, and competition that comes with playing football.”

RCX, the official operating partner of NFL FLAG and the NAIA women’s flag football initiative, will assist the NJCAA with developing awareness and a framework of the sport within the women’s flag industry. Through its efforts and collaboration with the NFL, RCX has contributed to the rapid growth of women’s flag football throughout the country.

“For so many young girls in flag football, the idea of playing the game they love in college has seemed like an impossible dream,” said Izell Reese Executive Director of NFL FLAG and GM of RCX. “RCX and NFL FLAG have been working hard to make that dream a reality and we’re proud to work with the NJCAA to help create a viable path for female athletes to potentially earn a scholarship to complete at the collegiate level and earn a degree.”

Following the granting of emerging sports status, the NJCAA will proceed with forming the women’s flag football sport committee to begin creation of the sport’s guidelines and competition structure. NFL FLAG and RCX will continue to assist the committee and NJCAA with expertise and best practices within the sport, with the intent of starting competition in the spring of 2022.

NJCAA members who begin a women’s flag football program will have the opportunity to compete against other members, in addition to various invitational events managed by RCX. A national championship event and full sport status will be granted with the increased number of participating institutions.