NFL FLAG Championships at Pro Bowl Games and NHL STREET Showcase at NHL Fan Fair™  

During the first weekend in February—before we watched the pros at the NFL Pro Bowl Games and NHL All-Star Game—more than 4,000+ youth athletes had a moment of their own competing in our largest youth sport events to date. 

240 NFL FLAG teams across the world—representing 8 age divisions and 11 countries—came to Orlando, Florida to compete at the NFL FLAG Championships at Pro Bowl Games.  

And NHL STREET shined in Toronto, Ontario at the Hyundai NHL Fan Fair™ during All-Star weekend, while hosting ball hockey games for more than 2,000+ boys and girls.

 

Creating a Positive Youth Sport Experience  

The combined events made one message clear: the power of youth sports extends far beyond the field or rink. Girls and boys—ranging from 7 to 17 years old—learned fundamental skills, competed against their peers, worked as a team, and gained valuable life experience.

“Watching the kids play and seeing their talent level at all ages was amazing, especially watching the older kids” said Mark Leo Jr., an Operations Coordinator with RCX Sports, who helped run the NFL FLAG Championships at the Pro Bowl Games.  

Like all our leagues, these events are designed to be inclusive—so that every boy and girl who wants to compete can play.  

“The 2024 NFL FLAG Championships at Pro Bowl Games is a wonderful opportunity to highlight the amazing youth talent that NFL FLAG is developing throughout our leagues around the world,” said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports, executive director of NFL FLAG and a Global Flag Football Ambassador.  “By bringing youth flag football to such a prominent stage, we are removing barriers and allowing more kids to get involved with NFL FLAG so one day they can follow their dreams to compete in these prestigious championships.” 

 

International Programming  

At the NFL FLAG Championships, international teams also took the field, a reflection of flag football’s massive growth in popularity worldwide. In fact, flag football is played in more than 100 countries.

The countries represented at NFL FLAG Championships included:  

    • – Australia 
    • – Bahamas 
    • – Brazil 
    • – China 
    • – France 
    • – Germany 
    • – Ghana 
    • – Japan 
    • – Mexico 
    • – New Zealand 
    • – United Kingdom

“Witnessing the sportsmanship between international teams was one of the highlights of the tournament,” said Josh Kincaid, Manager of Marketing Partnerships at RCX Sports. “Seeing the diversity of cultures in how they show respect was something I’ll always remember.”

“What truly resonated with me was the opportunity to immerse myself in the world of flag football, particularly through the lens of the international teams,” Jacob Price, Creative Coordinator at RCX Sports, added. “Witnessing their remarkable sportsmanship and unwavering heart was truly inspiring. Moreover, observing how each unique culture embraced and celebrated the game we all cherish was incredibly enriching.” 

 

Felt Like a Festival

Beyond the competition, each event created an engaging experience for all participants and their families, with giveaways, interactive games, and appearances from professional athletes, including Justin Jefferson, Vikings’ wide receiver, Diana Flores, quarterback of Mexico’s gold medal-winning Women’s Flag Football National Team, Andrew Ference, former NHL Stanley Cup Champion, and NHL Mascots.  

In everything we do at RCX Sports, our mission is to ensure kids experience the very best of youth sports. Their passion and love for the game isn’t just about the scoreboard—it goes much deeper than that. So, we work closely with our partners to develop a one-of-a-kind experience—like an awards tent and various panels—that our athletes will carry with them forever. 

“At the Oakley Panel, the crowd was packed with the topic, ‘Moving the Game Forward,’” said Sydney Mann-Howard, Sports Marketing Coordinator for Events and Programs at RCX Sports. “It was a good time for me to reflect as well because when it comes to women in sports, I want to help the industry continue to grow and see women break down barriers.” 

 

Professional League Support  

As NFL FLAG is the official youth league of the NFL and NHL STREET of the NHL, both events received full support from the professional ranks, adding to the best-in-class experience. From officially-licensed pro-branded uniforms to meet-and-greets with professional athletes, every kid got a chance to “play like a pro.”   

“My favorite moment was seeing the players star-struck by some of the special guests and the mascots, who jumped into the rink and even got in on some of the game action,” said Kevin Raposo, a photographer at the NHL STREET Showcase at NHL Fan Fair™.

To learn more about getting involved with RCX Sports, please contact us. 

 

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