In every sport, on every field, and across every league we operate, we’re committed to creating pathways for girls to compete. That’s why on National Girls & Women in Sports Day, we’re not just celebrating—we’re taking action.
Our mission goes beyond one day. It’s about building a future where every girl who wants to play gets the chance.
The Rise of Girls in Sports
More girls are playing sports today than ever before. According to the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), high school girls’ sports participation continues to grow. But despite this progress, gaps in funding, access, and visibility remain.
Here’s what we know:
- Girls’ sports participation is growing—but opportunities still lag behind. According to Project Play’s State of Play 2023 report, girls’ participation in sports has reached its highest level since 2013. However, boys still participate at higher rates, underscoring the need for continued investment in girls’ athletics.
- Girls want to play—and they are showing up in record numbers. Some sports, like flag football, are experiencing explosive growth. At RCX Sports, NFL FLAG female participation has increased by 50% over the past three years, proving the demand for more opportunities.
- Sports fuel leadership. A study by Ernst & Young and espnW found that 94% of women in C-suite positions played sports. The connection between athletics and leadership is clear—sports don’t just build athletes; they build confident, resilient leaders.
Creating Opportunities
We’re dedicated to making sports more accessible for girls at every level. From flag football to hockey, soccer to basketball, we focus on breaking down barriers and expanding opportunities across all our programs—including NFL FLAG, NHL STREET, MLS GO, Jr. NBA/WNBA, and USTA.
Expanding the Path for Girls in Flag Football
Girls’ flag football is the fastest-growing high school sport in the country. We’re driving efforts to sanction it at both the high school and collegiate levels. RCX Sports has been instrumental in helping states add girls’ flag football as a varsity sport. Now, we’ve submitted an application, alongside the NFL and NFL FLAG, to make women’s flag football recognized as an NCAA sport.
Investing in the Future of Women’s Flag Football
The RCX Sports Foundation is helping drive the future of women’s flag football through Females In Flag, an initiative dedicated to increasing participation, fostering leadership, and advocating for the recognition of women’s flag football at the highest levels.
One of the most impactful ways the RCX Sports Foundation is creating opportunities is through the International Women’s Flag Football Scholarship Program. This program helps women from around the world play flag football at U.S. colleges, turning dreams into real opportunities.
By expanding access to scholarships and competitive pathways, the foundation is ensuring that more female athletes can continue playing at higher levels and pursue their passion for the game.
Multi-Sport Athletes Have the Edge
Playing multiple sports helps young athletes build stronger skills, reduce injury risk, and develop leadership qualities. According to Aspen Institute’s Project Play, multi-sport athletes are more likely to stay in sports longer and experience fewer overuse injuries. Programs like NHL STREET, MLS GO, and Jr. NBA/WNBA give girls the opportunity to explore different sports, gain well-rounded skills, and stay engaged in athletics.
Women Are Driving the Future of Sports at RCX
Our leadership team embodies the mission we champion every day. RCX Sports CMO Jaclyn Thomas, a former Division I soccer player at the University of Detroit Mercy, knows firsthand how sports shape leaders: “The lessons I learned on the field—discipline, teamwork, resilience—still drive the way I lead today.”
And RCX Sports COO Garland Cooper, an NCAA All-American softball player at Northwestern University, carries that same passion forward: “Sports changed my life. Now, I’m committed to making sure every girl gets the same opportunities I had—because access to sports shouldn’t be a privilege.”
The Work Continues
National Girls & Women in Sports Day isn’t just about celebrating—it’s about progress. Girls are showing up, breaking barriers, and proving that when given the chance, they thrive. But there’s still work to do.
Join us in building the future of girls’ sports. Because when girls play, everyone wins.
Get Involved
Team up with us and be part of the movement. Get started here.
#LeadHerForward
Join the conversation and celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day! Use #LeadHerForward and tag your sport (#KeepKicking, #KeepSwimming, or one of your own) to inspire the next generation.
