ATLANTA, GA & LANGHORNE, PA — NFL FLAG and Pop Warner Little Scholars are teaming up in a new nationwide partnership aimed at broadening access to youth football. The agreement will bring NFL FLAG’s fast-growing, non-contact format to Pop Warner leagues across the country, with RCX Sports — the official operator of NFL FLAG — overseeing local rollout and enhancing the athlete experience.
The initiative kicks off in December with the Crown Classic Flag Football Tournament at the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Charlotte, N.C. The event will welcome both Pop Warner and non-Pop Warner teams from across the nation. Starting in Spring 2026, Pop Warner associations will introduce NFL FLAG leagues alongside their existing tackle football and cheer programs. Additional tournaments and showcases are also in development.
The model allows communities to offer both tackle and flag football under one umbrella, giving families more choice and creating new opportunities for girls to compete in the sport. The approach emphasizes safety, flexibility, and inclusion while aligning with football’s broader participation trends — flag football attracted more than 2.4 million young players in 2024, making it the fastest-growing youth sport in the U.S.
“Football has the power to teach life lessons, build confidence, and create lifelong friendships — and this partnership ensures more kids have that opportunity,” said RCX Sports founder and CEO Izell Reese. “We’re proud to partner with Pop Warner to expand access for more young athletes in the sport we all love. Together, we’re creating more onramps into football by meeting kids where they are — whether they’re pulling flags or making tackles, we want every young athlete to feel like there’s a place for them on the field.”
“This partnership with NFL FLAG and RCX Sports is a game-changer for youth football,” said Steve Strawbridge, CEO of Pop Warner Little Scholars. “It allows us to bring a dynamic, non-contact version of the sport to more boys and girls across the country, while enhancing their overall experience. While Pop Warner has proudly offered flag football for years, this collaboration takes our commitment to the next level by expanding access, improving development, and fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes.”
Troy Vincent, Sr., Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations, added: “Development of football athletes, both girls and boys, has taken a leap forward with the RCX-Pop Warner partnership that affords our nation’s youth the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of every form of the game. Options to play flag or tackle, transition to tackle from flag, or remain in flag truly reflect the inclusion, affordability and accessibility of football for all.”
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