RCX Sports Archives | RCX Foundation

Gillette Teams Up with RCX Foundation to Expand Access to Youth Sports Through NFL FLAG Participation Grant

Gillette Joins the Flag Football Movement with New Participation Grant

ATLANTA, GA (June 23, 2025) — The RCX Foundation, the nonprofit arm of RCX Sports, is proud to announce a $25,000 donation from Gillette to support youth athletes nationwide through a new NFL FLAG participation grant. The contribution will directly fund financial assistance for families who need support registering their children for NFL FLAG, the official flag football program of the NFL, operated by RCX Sports.

With a goal of breaking down economic barriers to participation, the Gillette-sponsored grant will provide eligible families with up to $100 toward registration fees for the non-contact flag football league. Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports globally — played by over 20 million people across 100 countries, with women and girls driving much of the momentum.

“Too many kids are sidelined from youth sports because of financial constraints,” said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports. “At RCX, our mission is to make youth sports accessible to all, and thanks to Gillette’s meaningful investment in that mission, we’re able to remove barriers, expand access, and help more young athletes discover the power of play through NFL FLAG.”

Grant Eligibility Requirements Include:

Applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the registration closing date.
Financial assistance is only available for upcoming seasons and cannot be applied retroactively to previously completed registrations.
Families must have an annual household income below the national median average of $80,610* and the participants must be enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, or WIC, with proof of both income and enrollment required.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by the RCX Foundation and its partners to increase participation and visibility for NFL FLAG in underserved communities. With more than 2,000 leagues and 765,000 youth athletes nationwide, NFL FLAG is the largest youth flag football league in the country.

For more information on the grant or to apply, please visit https://rcxsportsfoundation.submittable.com/submit

About Gillette

For more than 120 years, Gillette has delivered precision technology and unrivaled product performance – improving the lives of over 800 million consumers around the world. From shaving and body grooming to skin care and sweat protection, Gillette offers a wide variety of products including razors, shave gel (gels, foams, and creams), skin care, aftershaves, antiperspirants, deodorants, and body wash. For more information and the latest news on Gillette, visit gillette.com.

About RCX Foundation

The RCX Foundation is dedicated to creating more access and equity in youth sports through grants, programming, and partnerships. As the non-profit arm of RCX Sports, the foundation focuses on expanding youth sports opportunities so all children can experience the lifelong benefit of sports. By removing barriers to participation, the Foundation helps young athletes discover confidence, build character, and thrive both on and off the field. For more information, visit https://rcxfoundation.org/.

Media Contact:

RCX Foundation:

Julian Galano, julian@22-spring.com

Gillette:

Stephanie Buttrill, buttrill.sb@pg.com

The RQ Foundation and The RCX Sports Foundation Team Up to Donate $30,000 to Support Flag Football Officiating

Press Release

This press release was originally published by the RQ Foundation on May 6, 2025.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The RQ Foundation is excited to announce a $30,000 donation in collaboration with the RCX Sports Foundation to support flag football officiating initiatives across the country.

The $30,000 contribution was announced by Bo Boroski, Founder and CEO of RQ+, and Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports and the Executive Director of NFL FLAG at the 2025 RQ Foundation Fundraiser. This funding has been allocated for officiating initiatives across the flag football ecosystem.

“Collectively, we have a unique opportunity to build a solid foundation and deliver the resources necessary to drive real, measurable outcomes,” said Boroski. “As the sport experiences rapid growth both in the U.S. and globally, it’s critical that officiating keeps pace. Beyond supporting our intercollegiate partners, we aim to establish a clear development pathway for officials – from youth flag football all the way to the professional level.”

The RCX Foundation is the non-profit arm of RCX Sports aimed at developing, promoting, and implementing diversity and inclusion in youth sports. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG, the nation’s largest flag football league for boys and girls aged 5-17.

“Great officiating is fundamental to the integrity and future of flag football,” said Reese, CEO of RCX Sports and Executive Director of NFL FLAG. “As flag football continues to surge in popularity, investing in the training and development of officials is critical to sustaining that growth. We’re proud to partner with the RQ Foundation to elevate officiating standards and ensure that the sport delivers a safe and positive experience for athletes at every level.”

The RQ Foundation Fundraiser, titled “Behind the Whistle: Supporting Sport’s Third Team,” was held on April 27th, 2025 at the historic Vogue Theatre in Indianapolis and raised more than $60,000 to support the Foundation’s mission to enrich the officiating experience for collegiate officials.

Attendees were treated to three insightful panel discussions featuring leading figures from the sports landscape. A full list of this year’s sessions and panelists is listed below:

Pro Sports Panel

Stephanie White, Head Coach, Indiana Fever

Jack Doyle, retired NFL tight end, Indianapolis Colts

College Sports Panel

Scott Dolson, Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Indiana University

Dan Gavitt, Senior Vice President of Basketball, NCAA

Pat Knight, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, Marian University

Flag Football Panel

Izell Reese, Chief Executive Officer, RCX Sports; Executive Director, NFL FLAG

Felicia Martin, NCAA Senior Vice President of Inclusion, Education & Community Engagement

About RCX Sports Foundation

The RCX Sports Foundation is the non-profit arm of RCX Sports, dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, and access in youth sports. By providing safe, welcoming opportunities, the foundation works to ensure no child is denied the lifelong benefits of sports. For more information, visit rcxfoundation.org.

RCX Sports Foundation and ZOLL Medical Join Forces to Equip Non-Profit Youth Sports Leagues with Life-Saving AEDs

Press Release

Atlanta, Georgia – March 17, 2025 –The RCX Sports Foundation, the non-profit arm of RCX Sports dedicated to developing, promoting, and implementing diversity and inclusion in youth sports, today announced a collaboration with ZOLL^® Medical to enhance player safety. Part of ZOLL’s Anything Can Happen. Anyone Can Help.™ education campaign, the collaboration calls for ZOLL Medical to become the Official Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Partner of the RCX Sports Foundation, working to ensure that youth athletes across the country have access to life-saving emergency care when it matters most.

To launch the initiative, RCX Sports Foundation and ZOLL are donating 15 AEDs to non-profit youth sports leagues nationwide, with additional quarterly donations planned throughout the year. The AEDs will be distributed through grant applications based on need among communities nationwide. Furthermore, league operators in the RCX Sports network will have the opportunity to purchase ZOLL AEDs at exclusive RCX rates, expanding access to essential emergency preparedness tools.

“Every second counts in a cardiac emergency, and it’s critical that youth athletes, coaches, and families have access to life-saving medical devices,” said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports. “Our mission is to foster safer play and provide parents with peace of mind, knowing that our league operators are prepared for the unexpected. We’re honored to work with ZOLL to advance our commitment to making advanced emergency care accessible to the communities that need it most.”

“Anything can happen, and when an AED is nearby, anyone can help,” said Lori Peters, Associate Director, Advocacy and Partnership, ZOLL. “We’re delighted to collaborate with RCX to help save lives and expand networks of citizen first responders. Sudden cardiac arrest sadly remains a prevalent cause of death in youth sports. ZOLL AEDs provide real-time coaching and feedback that can empower any bystander to help save a life in a crisis.”

As the official youth sports operator for premier leagues including the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, and USTA, RCX Sports oversees a vast network of leagues and youth programs, including NFL FLAG, which comprises over 2,000 individual leagues nationwide. This collaboration marks a major step in ensuring that these leagues are equipped to handle medical emergencies swiftly and effectively.

As AED access increases, it’s crucial that Americans feel empowered to act. ZOLL’s Anything Can Happen. Anyone Can Help.™ AED public advocacy and education campaign launched in fall 2024 with pro football player Damar Hamlin with a goal to spread awareness that AEDs are not just shock devices, but life-saving tools complete with audio-visual guidance and real-time feedback. For more information, training resources, and inspiring bystander success stories, visit AnyoneCanHelp.com.

About 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. No child’s circumstance in life should ever keep them from the lifelong benefit of sports. Sports for all. For more information, visit https://rcxfoundation.org/.

About ZOLL
ZOLL, an Asahi Kasei company, develops and markets medical devices and software solutions that help advance emergency care and save lives, while increasing clinical and operational efficiencies. With products for defibrillation and cardiac monitoring, circulation enhancement and CPR feedback, supersaturated oxygen therapy, data management, ventilation, therapeutic temperature management, and sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, ZOLL provides a comprehensive set of technologies that help clinicians, EMS and fire professionals, as well as lay rescuers, improve patient outcomes in critical cardiopulmonary conditions. For more information, visit www.zoll.com.

Copyright © 2025 RCX Sports Foundation. All rights reserved. ZOLL and Anything Can Happen. Anyone Can Help. are trademarks or registered trademarks of ZOLL Medical Corporation and/or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries. Asahi Kasei is a registered trademark of Asahi Kasei Corporation.

Why National Girls & Women in Sports Day Matters More Than Ever

Blog Post

In every sport, on every field, and across every league we operate, we’re committed to creating pathways for girls to compete. That’s why on National Girls & Women in Sports Day, we’re not just celebrating—we’re taking action.

Our mission goes beyond one day. It’s about building a future where every girl who wants to play gets the chance.

The Rise of Girls in Sports

More girls are playing sports today than ever before. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), high school girls’ sports participation continues to grow. But despite this progress, gaps in funding, access, and visibility remain.

Here’s what we know:

Girls’ sports participation is growing—but opportunities still lag behind. According to Project Play’s State of Play 2023 report, girls’ participation in sports has reached its highest level since 2013. However, boys still participate at higher rates, underscoring the need for continued investment in girls’ athletics.
Girls want to play—and they are showing up in record numbers. Some sports, like flag football, are experiencing explosive growth. At RCX Sports, NFL FLAG female participation has increased by 50% over the past three years, proving the demand for more opportunities.
Sports fuel leadership. A study by Ernst & Young and espnW found that 94% of women in C-suite positions played sports. The connection between athletics and leadership is clear—sports don’t just build athletes; they build confident, resilient leaders.

Creating Opportunities

We’re dedicated to making sports more accessible for girls at every level. From flag football to hockey, soccer to basketball, we focus on breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities across all our programs—including NFL FLAG, NHL STREET, MLS GO, Jr. NBA/WNBA, and USTA.

Expanding the Path for Girls in Flag Football

Girls’ flag football is the fastest-growing high school sport in the country. We’re driving efforts to sanction it at both the high school and collegiate levels. RCX Sports has been instrumental in helping states add girls’ flag football as a varsity sport. Now, we’ve submitted an application, alongside the NFL and NFL FLAG, to make women’s flag football recognized as an NCAA sport.

Investing in the Future of Women’s Flag Football

The RCX Sports Foundation is helping drive the future of women’s flag football through Females In Flag, an initiative dedicated to increasing participation, fostering leadership, and advocating for the recognition of women’s flag football at the highest levels.

One of the most impactful ways the RCX Sports Foundation is creating opportunities is through the International Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program. This program helps women from around the world play flag football at U.S. colleges, turning dreams into real opportunities.

By expanding access to scholarships and competitive pathways, the foundation is ensuring that more female athletes can continue playing at higher levels and pursue their passion for the game.

Multi-Sport Athletes Have the Edge

Playing multiple sports helps young athletes build stronger skills, reduce injury risk, and develop leadership qualities. According to Aspen Institute’s Project Play, multi-sport athletes are more likely to stay in sports longer and experience fewer overuse injuries. Programs like NHL STREET, MLS GO, and Jr. NBA/WNBA give girls the opportunity to explore different sports, gain well-rounded skills, and stay engaged in athletics.

Women Are Driving the Future of Sports at RCX

Our leadership team embodies the mission we champion every day. RCX Sports CMO Jaclyn Thomas, a former Division I soccer player at the University of Detroit Mercy, knows firsthand how sports shape leaders: “The lessons I learned on the field—discipline, teamwork, resilience—still drive the way I lead today.”

And RCX Sports COO Garland Cooper, an NCAA All-American softball player at Northwestern University, carries that same passion forward: “Sports changed my life. Now, I’m committed to making sure every girl gets the same opportunities I had—because access to sports shouldn’t be a privilege.”

The Work Continues

National Girls & Women in Sports Day isn’t just about celebrating—it’s about progress. Girls are showing up, breaking barriers, and proving that when given the chance, they thrive. But there’s still work to do.

Join us in building the future of girls’ sports. Because when girls play, everyone wins..

Get Involved

Team up with us and be part of the movement. Get started here.

#LeadHerForward

Join the conversation and celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day! Use #LeadHerForward and tag your sport (#KeepKicking, #KeepSwimming, or one of your own) to inspire the next generation.

RCX Sports 2024 Year in Review

Blog Post

As we kick off 2025, we’re proud to reflect on a year of growth, collaboration, and memorable moments. In 2024, RCX Sports expanded its reach, worked with incredible partners, and continued to power youth sports across the country. Here’s a look back at what we accomplished together.

5 Game-Changing Pro League Partners

This year, we strengthened our connections with professional leagues, including the MLB, NFL, NHL, MLS, and NBA/WNBA. Their continued support helps us bring the excitement of sports to kids at the grassroots level, elevating the experience in impactful ways.

New Partnership with USTA
Even more, we were excited to announce our new partnership with USTA, a significant step in broadening the range of sports we offer. Through this collaboration, we’re bringing red ball tennis to communities across the country.

RCX Sports Foundation Launch

2024 was a monumental year for the RCX Sports Foundation, which officially launched last summer. This initiative, designed to promote inclusivity in youth sports, is already making waves and bringing opportunities to underserved communities.

RCX Sports Community Weekend

The first-ever RCX Sports Community Weekend was a huge success. This event brought together families, athletes, and sports enthusiasts for a weekend full of fun and competition, highlighting the power of community and the importance of sports in shaping young lives.

Program Highlights

In 2024, our programs continued to grow in exciting ways. Here are some standout moments:

NFL FLAG

NFL FLAG reached new heights this year, welcoming an incredible 767,516 youth athletes into our family.

Favorite Moments:

The Olympic Announcement: Flag football’s inclusion in the Olympics was a monumental milestone, cementing its global growth and giving young athletes even bigger dreams to chase.
NFL FLAG Summit: Leaders from across the flag football community gathered in Dallas for the 2024 NFL FLAG Summit, where we shared ideas and celebrated successes.
Prince William’s Visit: A royal highlight of the year, Prince William joined an NFL FLAG Foundation UK event and tested out his flag football skills.
Televised Championship: Our first-ever televised championship aired on ESPN, NFL+, and Disney+, showcasing the sport’s excitement on a global stage.

NHL STREET

NHL STREET showed up in a big way at some of the NHL’s most exciting events, including:

NHL All-Star in Toronto: Athletes and fans had a chance to experience the energy of street hockey up close.
Stadium Series at MetLife Stadium: Street hockey brought the hype to this iconic event, showing fans just how electric the game can be.
PEI Showcase: This community event brought players together for a day of fun and competition.

MLS GO

During MLS All-Star Week, MLS GO hosted a mini pitch activation where kids scrimmaged and ran drills, providing an unforgettable introduction to soccer. This program continues to create pathways for young athletes to discover and develop their passion for the game.

Jr. NBA/WNBA Leagues

Welcoming over 150 new league operators, Jr. NBA/WNBA Leagues grew to an incredible 275+ operators nationwide. We also introduced an exciting new logo and look for the Jr. NBA/WNBA leagues, representing the fresh energy and continued growth of the program.

Favorite Moment:

Jr. NBA Tournament at NBA All-Star: Young athletes showcased their skills and love for the game on a global stage, creating memories to last a lifetime.

MLB Pitch Hit & Run

With a 44% increase in participation, the program reached over 46,000 young athletes, hosting events at 1,464 sites across 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada.

Favorite Moments:

Team Championships: Hosted at 32 MLB ballparks, including stops at iconic venues like Fenway Park and the Little League World Series.
World Series Finals: The MLB Pitch, Hit & Run Finals brought together 46 elite athletes from across the nation, showcasing their skills at the World Series.

Looking Ahead

As we look to 2025, we are more excited than ever to continue building partnerships and opportunities for our families. Here’s to another year of inspiring the next generation of athletes!

What was your favorite RCX Sports moment this year? Share it with us on social and keep the celebration going!

Get Involved

To learn more about RCX programs or to start your own league, click here.