Non-profit arm of RCX Sports aims to bring
"Sports for All" through grant funding and programming initiatives
for under-resourced youth
ATLANTA, July 17,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 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.
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.
Media Contact:
Cole Lanier
Phone: 205-616-6142
Email: cole@perituspr.com
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SOURCE RCX Sports