For Lisa Deavers, youth sports are about more than fields, courts, or uniforms—they’re about finding the gaps in her community and filling them.
“You do what you do because you love your community,” she said. “We try to find where the gaps are and what we can do.”
Franklin, Kentucky, a rural agricultural town north of Nashville, has a population of just 21,000. Lisa runs the parks department with a small staff, overseeing three parks and multiple sports leagues. “From operations, it’s basically one person managing it all,” she said. “So every tool, every resource matters.”
Finding the Right Fit
When Lisa joined Franklin-Simpson Parks & Recreation in 2022, the department already had a flag football league. But she was looking for something more.
“I started researching NFL FLAG and found RCX,” she said. “The benefit to us was the resources, the uniforms, the cost savings, and the quality. The uniforms were a lot less than what we were paying and much better quality. And having the Titans logo on our chest brought so much excitement to our community.”
Just as important was the support RCX provided for new coaches. “The skills videos are a huge benefit, especially for people who are new to coaching,” Lisa said.
Growing Soccer with MLS GO
This year, Lisa added MLS GO to the department’s offerings. Soccer participation had been dropping, and she wanted to try something new.
“Our participation went up by 40 registrations,” she said. “For us, the biggest benefit is cost. With the savings, and the grant opportunities with NFL FLAG and MLS GO, we were able to reduce our registration fees. That means more engagement and more kids playing.”
The professional branding and full uniforms were a hit with families. “The kids and parents are loving them,” Lisa said. “They’re getting the full uniform at the same price we used to pay just for a jersey. They’re wearing their pro teams on their chest.”
Making the Most of Tennis Courts
Lisa is also testing USTA youth tennis to make better use of underutilized courts. “Especially for younger age groups, those courts just weren’t being used,” she said. “So we did a trial day, and the response was really positive.”
For a small department, every added program needs to be low-lift, and that’s where Lisa has found RCX invaluable.
“The support we receive is so quick. I usually get a response right away,” she said. “NFL FLAG was my first league with them. The transition was seamless. Every step of the way, they’re with you—truthfully, they are.”
Access That Matters
Lisa has seen firsthand how RCX’s model makes sports more accessible, whether through cost, coach resources, or professional branding that excites families.
“Working with RCX to offer these programs brings more attention to our community,” she said.
““If you’re thinking about RCX as a way to bring new opportunities to your program, I would highly recommend it based on the professionalism and support they bring to the table.”
The impact is clear: soccer, once a relatively new sport in Franklin, is now pulling in over 200 kids for fall leagues. NFL FLAG is thriving, especially as flag football continues to grow nationally and prepare for its Olympic debut.
“For us, it’s about access,” Lisa said. “Keeping registration fees affordable. Giving coaches the tools they need. And making sure kids in a small town like ours can play the sports they love.”
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