RCX Sports Creates Non-profit Organization for Youth Athletics
RCX Sports Foundation will offer safe, welcoming and inclusive environments
Posted On: July 19, 2024 By :RCX Sports has 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 with a focus on expanding opportunities for all children to experience athletics in a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.
Key initiatives will include providing scholarships and grants to underserved communities and advocating for policies that promote access and equity in youth sports. Partners already include the Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer.
“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 Izell Reese, RCX Sports chief executive officer. “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 first iteration of the Foundation’s pro sports partnerships came in April when MLS launched the MLS Go Play Fund. 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. The two organizations first partnered in May of 2023.
“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 and general manager, MLS Next and MLS Go.
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.
“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.'”
Through the Foundation, RCX will also operate up to 10 college showcases for female flag football athletes in 2024, as well as operating flag football championship finals at the NAIA and NJCAA levels. The Females in Flag initiative has opened doors for thousands of female flag football athletes.
NFL Flag, operated by RCX Sports, will host its NFL Flag Championships on July 19-21 at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton, Ohio, and feature over 280 teams of girls and boys with NFL Flag regional winners representing all 32 teams.
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, Alabama, 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.
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