A women’s flag football program will be offered at Dabney S. Lancaster Community College in the spring of 2023, according to DSLCC President Dr. John Rainone, who was informed recently that the College’s application to begin the program has been approved by the NJCAA Foundation.
“We are honored to be selected to offer this new and exciting sport from the NJCAA Foundation,” said Rainone. “As we look to expand our athletic programs, in addition to men’s and women’s basketball, over the new couple of years, I am excited to have this opportunity for our female student-athletes. The program will begin in the spring semester of 2023, so this will give us an opportunity to promote it, hire a coach and recruit the student-athletes.”
The approval of the brand new sports offering at DSLCC includes a $10,000 grant from the NJCAA Foundation, NFL FLAG, and RCX Sports for the program to get underway. The grant will cover expenses such as recruitment efforts, uniforms, and field expenses.
“The NJCAA Foundation is passionate about the value women’s flag football brings to institutions’ overall growth, the student-athlete experience, and equality across playing fields,” stated Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “This is an opportunity for women of the association to compete at the highest level and we are fortunate to work hand in hand with NFL FLAG, and RCX Sports during this exciting time.”
In March, the NJCAA announced the $150,000 grant, provided by the NFL, to support the initiative of expanding women's flag football. Since then, 11 grants have been awarded to NJCAA member colleges to grow the sport and encourage other two-year colleges to consider adding the program.
"The NJCAA expanding NFL Flag opportunities for female student-athletes at member institutions demonstrates clearly that football is for all," said Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations Troy Vincent, Sr. "The values, fun and competitive environment of football can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone who wishes to participate. It is exciting to see junior colleges offer NFL FLAG as a varsity sport to female athletes."
RCX Sports, the official operating partner of NFL FLAG and the NAIA women’s flag football initiative, works to enhance the youth sports experience for athletes all around the world.
"RCX is dedicated to creating opportunities for all athletes to play and so that every child can gain important life skills only learned through sports," said RCX Sports CEO and NFL FLAG Executive Director Izell Reese. "Through NJCAA women's flag football, young women will not only be able to compete, but they'll also earn a valuable education that will set them up for success after college."
For more information, contact DSLCC Director of Student Services Joe Hagy at (540) 863-2925 or email jhagy@dslcc.edu.
ABOUT NJCAA FOUNDATION
The mission of the NJCAA Foundation is to enhance the NJCAA national organization, student-athletes, member colleges and local communities through financial support, scholarships, program initiatives and community service.
ABOUT RCX SPORTS
RCX Sports is the premier youth-sports experiences business, running and operating leagues, camps, combines, tournaments and events.
RCX works with professional leagues, national governing bodies, sports-centric businesses and brands to reimagine youth sports experiences. RCX produces events with world-class partners including the NFL, Jr. NBA, NAIA, Rivals.com and the 2022 World Games.
RCX is committed to improving the accessibility and inclusivity of sports by enhancing the youth sports experience and creating opportunities for all athletes to play. We believe sports have the power to transform lives and that every athlete should have the opportunity to experience the value of sports. For more information, visit www.rcxsports.com.
ABOUT NFL FLAG
NFL FLAG is an NFL-licensed property of more than 1,600 locally operated leagues and over 500,000 youth athletes across all 50 states. NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 5-17. Players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football as well as lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG.