Youth-focused mission connects with 700,000
boys and girls, spanning national, regional championships and 1,800
locally operated leagues
PLANO,
Texas, June 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Toyota Motor
North America and the National Football League today announced that
Toyota will become the Presenting Partner of NFL Flag tournaments
across the U.S — spanning the NFL Flag Championships &
Regional Tournaments as well as NFL Flag League Play.
NFL Flag, the official flag football program of the NFL, brings
the non-contact version of football to young athletes.
Fast, highly accessible and inclusive for all, flag football is
spearheading extraordinary growth in participation — played by over
20 million people across 100 countries, with women and girls
driving some of the sport's fastest growth.
Toyota, "The Official Automotive Partner of the NFL," gains the
ability to celebrate and grow the game across regional and national
NFL Flag tournaments in the U.S. The partnership will first become
visible at the NFL Flag Championships Presented by Toyota, the
world's premiere youth flag football tournament, which will be
hosted July 19-21 at the Hall of Fame
Village in Canton, OH. The NFL
Flag Championships will feature over 280 teams of girls and boys
representing NFL Flag regional winners from across the U.S. as well
as six teams from countries around the world. Toyota will also
sponsor ESPN and Disney's live broadcast coverage of the top boys
(18U) and girls (15U) divisions in the tournament.
As part of the deal, Toyota and its 1,200 dealers across the
U.S. will team with RCX Sports, the official operating partner of
NFL Flag in the U.S., to extend the partnership to its more than
1,800 local leagues. Toyota will be integrated into these
accessible non-contact programs that see more than 700,000 youth
athletes participate.
This partnership follows flag football's recent inclusion in the
Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games — driven by the International
Federation of American Football (IFAF) and supported by the NFL. In
partnership with IFAF, the league is investing in the development
and growth of flag football at grassroots and elite levels across
the globe.
"We believe in celebrating the joy of football not only within
fan-packed stadiums but also on the grass fields of every
football-loving community across the country," said Dave Christ, group vice president and general
manager of the Toyota Division at Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
"Our linking arms with NFL Flag allows more people to play the
game, transcending gender, age, ethnicity and physical ability.
This alignment with our mission of providing mobility for all
underscores our commitment to inclusivity."
"NFL Flag has reached extraordinary heights, yet one constant
has remained since its inception – it provides a way for every boy
and girl to compete in football, and in turn, experience the
benefits tied to the sport," said Stephanie
Kwok, vice president, flag football at the NFL. "Flag
football promotes fitness, teamwork and self-esteem among youth. We
are proud that Toyota sees the countless benefits of growing flag
football, just as we do, and are looking forward to their
partnership across our flag efforts."
Toyota will have a co-branded presence on all NFL Flag jerseys
at regional and national championships this summer, as well as
field signage and on each flag belt of NFL Flag League Play. The
partnership allows Toyota to enhance the fan and player experience
by having a fan fest presence at the national championships and
delivering content across NFL & NFL Flag content channels. The
deal also enables Toyota to be the presenting partner of the NFL
Flag Players of the Year award within the NFL Honors broadcast.
"Partnering with Toyota is a landmark moment in our vision to
bring grassroots sports experiences to communities across the
country," said Izell Reese, CEO of
RCX Sports and NFL Flag Executive Director, U.S. "Toyota dealers
are deeply embedded in the areas they serve. Their support will
unlock opportunities to offer this fast, affordable and accessible
game to more regions and towns in America. Together, we're not just
playing a game; we're fostering unity and empowering the next
generation of athletes."
"From playing flag football throughout my childhood to seeing my
kids play to coaching the Pro Bowl Games, I see how NFL Flag is a
driving force for the future of our game," said Eli Manning, NFL Legend and Toyota ambassador.
"I echo Toyota and the NFL's shared values and belief that flag
provides opportunity to millions for a chance to experience the joy
of playing football."
Toyota's more than 1,200 dealerships will have the ability to
leverage NFL Flag assets in their respective local markets. To
ensure local representation across NFL Flag League Play, RCX Sports
and local dealers will have co-branded shorts and signage
opportunities. Additionally, dealers will have the chance to engage
local leagues across multiple levels to provide meaningful
impact.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in
North America for more than 65
years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation
mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands, plus our more than
1,800 dealerships.
Toyota directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America who have contributed to the
design, engineering, and assembly of nearly 47 million cars and
trucks at our 12 manufacturing plants. By 2025, Toyota's 13th plant
in North Carolina will begin to
manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles. With
more electrified vehicles on the road than any other automaker,
Toyota currently offers 29 electrified options.
For more information about Toyota, visit
www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.
About NFL Flag
NFL Flag is the official flag football program of the NFL,
with more than 1,800 locally operated leagues and over 700,000
youth athletes across the United
States and Canada. NFL Flag
programming also extends to more than 13 markets around the world.
Fast-paced and accessible for all, flag football is one of the
fastest growing sports globally with women and girls leading some
of the largest growth and increased participation. Learn more
online at nflflag.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 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
rcxsports.com.
MEDIA CONTACT
Sam Mahoney
980-900-8573
Samuel.Mahoney@toyota.com
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SOURCE Toyota Motor North America