RCX Sports and U.S. Bank Join Forces for NFL FLAG Regional Tournaments

Exciting Collaboration: RCX Sports Partners with U.S. Bank for NFL FLAG Tournaments

In a significant move aimed at promoting youth flag football, RCX Sports, the official operator of NFL FLAG, has announced a new partnership with U.S. Bank that covers 10 regional tournaments between the fall of 2026 and spring of 2027. This collaboration not only enhances the visibility of flag football but also reinforces U.S. Bank's commitment to supporting the next generation of athletes.

Partnership Details

The partnership between RCX Sports and U.S. Bank expands on the bank's existing relationship with the NFL, where it holds the position of an Official Bank and Wealth Management sponsor. This strategic alliance will kick off with four tournaments set to take place this fall, starting on October 3 in Canton, Ohio, followed by tournaments in the markets of Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, and Los Angeles Chargers. Six additional tournaments are scheduled for spring 2027, with exact locations and dates yet to be announced.

Notably, U.S. Bank recently pledged $250,000 to GENYOUth, a national nonprofit organization, to facilitate the donation of NFL FLAG-In-School kits to 400 schools across the nation. This initiative aims to equip educators with the tools necessary to introduce flag football, allowing more students to engage with the sport and develop their skills from an early age.

Community Engagement and Development

According to Sekou Kaalund, head of Branch and Small Business Banking at U.S. Bank, the ultimate goal is to leverage NFL FLAG's ability to unite athletes, families, and communities. The regional tournaments will serve as a platform not only for competition but also for financial literacy, where U.S. Bank will offer educational activities intertwined with the excitement of flag football.

U.S. Bank intends to actively engage athletes and their families through on-site events that involve U.S. Bank-branded vehicles, games that promote financial education, and interactive activities that build both skills and confidence. Flag football has seen a remarkable 38% increase in youth participation since 2015, with over 1.5 million players aged 6 to 12 now involved in the sport. As a leader in the sector, NFL FLAG boasts more than 1,800 leagues operating across all 50 states.

Brian Flinn, NFL SVP of Global Flag Football, emphasized the importance of partnerships like this one in promoting the sport. With increasing participation rates and new opportunities for aspiring athletes, such collaborations are pivotal in shaping the future of flag football.

RCX Sports' Role

RCX Sports plays a crucial role in connecting national partners with youth sports at the grassroots level. They support a network of over 2,000 leagues, serving nearly 1 million young athletes nationwide. Their initiatives ensure that local communities benefit from high-quality sports experiences, thereby fostering long-term engagement.

Izell Reese, founder of RCX Sports, expressed enthusiasm over the partnership, noting U.S. Bank's shared vision for youth sports. As flag football continues to grow at multiple levels, the collaboration will serve as a catalyst for nurturing the next wave of athletes.

Looking Ahead

Further details regarding U.S. Bank's initiatives and presence at each tournament will be unveiled closer to the events. This partnership exemplifies a commitment to cultivate youth sporting opportunities while enriching community bonds, ensuring that the spirit of competition and camaraderie thrives within local and national contexts.

As the first tournament approaches in Canton on October 3, anticipation builds around the potential these competitions hold for young athletes, their families, and communities nationwide. With the backing of U.S. Bank and RCX Sports, the future of flag football looks brighter than ever.