One Epic Week, Two Unforgettable Events: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at RCX Sports
In one of our biggest milestones yet, RCX Sports pulled off an incredible doubleheader: hosting the NFL FLAG Championships Presented by Toyota in Canton, OH, and bringing MLS GO to the MLS All-Star Games in Columbus, OH—all within the same week. It was no small feat, and we couldn’t be prouder of what our team achieved together.
From the start, our mission was clear: to create two unforgettable events that would not only celebrate youth sports but also inspire the next generation of athletes. We aimed to bring communities together, showcase the talent and dedication of our athletes, and deliver experiences that would leave a lasting impact.
This article takes you behind the scenes to showcase the teamwork and planning that made these events truly special and unforgettable.
Planning for Perfection
When it comes to coordinating two large-scale events in different cities, you need nothing short of seamless collaboration. From logistics to marketing, every department at RCX Sports played a crucial role.
“We knew from the outset that executing two major events in one week would require meticulous planning and collaboration,” said Ashley Babcock, Vice President of Marketing at RCX Sports. “Our goal was to go beyond just organizing events; we wanted to create experiences that resonate with our athletes and their families, ensuring every detail, from logistics to fan engagement, was handled with precision.”
NFL FLAG Championships Presented by Toyota kicked off the week, hosted at the legendary Pro Football Hall of Fame. With over 240 teams in attendance, we aimed to create a tournament that not only showcased the talent on the field but also kept families engaged and fueled their passion for the game. To achieve this, we went beyond the competition by crafting a festival-like atmosphere, complete with interactive stations, music, food trucks, partner giveaways, and more.
And this is where RCX Sports truly shines.
Fan Fest and Opening Ceremony
First, we brought our vision for check-in and the Opening Ceremony to life—a collaborative effort involving multiple departments and our partners, including the NFL, ESPN, Oakley, Toyota, and Visa. During check-in, players attended our Fan Fest, where they were able to connect with national brands, visit interactive booths, and score swag—think Nike backpacks and bucket hats.
The Opening Ceremony was also a huge highlight and success, as we honored our players, watched them walk across the stage, and presented the awards to the 2024 NFL FLAG Coaches of the Year.
Josh Kincaid, Marketing Manager of Partnerships at RCX Sports, shared, “The operations team played a crucial role in making the partnership-focused awards run smoothly. Their coordination of interview locations and award presentations was essential. These awards wouldn’t have been possible without their support.”
We wrapped up the night with fireworks—setting the perfect tone for an action-packed weekend.
“Watching everything come together during the Opening Ceremony was surreal,” said Jake Rosenthal, Marketing Manager at RCX Sports. “We wanted to create something memorable for the athletes, and seeing their reactions made all the hard work worth it.”
Live Coverage
The excitement wasn’t limited to the field. With live broadcasts on ESPN, Disney Networks, and NFL+, we joined forces with the NFL and ESPN to make sure every moment reached fans nationwide.
“Collaborating with ESPN on rules training for their talent and staff was a crucial part of our prep,” explained Tom Laneve, Director of Officiating at RCX Sports. “But seeing the athletes, coaches, officials, and spectators enjoying the weekend made all the efforts worthwhile.”
By blending live coverage with interactive social media posts, we turned the NFL FLAG Championships Presented by Toyota into a fully immersive experience for fans everywhere.
“We worked closely with our partners and ESPN’s social team for content ideas,” shared Cheyenne Brown, Social Media Coordinator at RCX Sports. “Seeing the engagement and excitement from the players was truly rewarding, especially when the NFL started collaborating with us on TikTok.”
Special Appearances and Honors
We were thrilled to have the support of Pro Football Hall of Famers La’Roi Glover and Anthony Muñoz, who joined us at the event. While their presence inspired our athletes, they also captured the attention of the parents, guardians, and coaches who attended as well.
“The little extras the event team planned add up and make all the difference,” said Annie Dolatowski, Editorial Director at RCX Sports. “This was my first championship event with RCX Sports, and I was so impressed by every added detail.”
The celebration continued with the announcement of the All-Tournament Team, honored by our partner Oakley, and the unveiling of the finalists for NFL FLAG Player of the Year. These moments reflect the heart of our program, highlighting our commitment to enhancing the youth sports experience and creating opportunities for athletes to thrive.
“Seeing the kids’ faces light up throughout the event was hands down the best part of all the effort we put in,” said Omar Yaques, Senior Director of Operations at RCX Sports.
Bringing Youth Soccer to the MLS All-Star Games
As the NFL FLAG Championships Presented by Toyota came to a close, our team turned their attention to bringing the MLS GO experience to the MLS All-Star Games in Columbus, OH. Once again, our goal was straight forward—to inspire youth athletes.
We created an environment where players could jump right into the action. They played on a mini pitch, met athletes from Ohio State University and MLS NEXT, and left with t-shirts, mini foam balls, and water bottles.
“The event was about bringing MLS GO closer to the kids and giving them a chance to connect with the game and the players,” explained Jonathan Houghton, Manager of MLS GO at RCX Sports. “Our team worked seamlessly together, and it was amazing to see the kids light up as they engaged with the athletes and the event.”
MLS GO is designed to be an inclusive and accessible recreational youth soccer program, and we aimed to ensure every player felt the excitement of the game. Our team collaborated to create moments where they could meet players, snap photos with event signage, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
“Watching the kids take pictures in front of the backdrops I designed was such a rewarding experience,” shared Mark Pinkerton, Senior Graphic Designer at RCX Sports.
“Partnering with professional sports organizations like the NFL and MLS has opened new doors for kids that simply wouldn’t have existed otherwise,” said Jaclyn Thomas, Chief Marketing Officer at RCX Sports. “Our collaboration—both internally and with these esteemed partners—is key to our success. We’re incredibly proud of the opportunities we’re creating and the positive impact we’re making on young athletes across the country.”
Up Next
Next on the agenda for RCX Sports: NFL FLAG Regional Tournaments and the MLB Pitch, Hit & Run Championships. Stay tuned and follow RCX Sports for more behind-the-scenes insights, updates, and highlights as we bring these exciting youth sport events to life.