PRATT, Kan.— Pratt Community College was recently notified by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) that it had been awarded a $10,000 grant, provided by the NJCAA Foundation, NFL FLAG, and RCX Sports, towards establishing women’s flag football as a competitive sport.
“We are excited to be a recipient of the grant, which will help offset start-up costs of adding a women’s flag football program,” said Pratt Community College President Dr. Michael Calvert.
The grant is part of a major joint initiative with the NJCAA, National Football League (NFL), and RCX Sports in promoting women’s flag football across intercollegiate athletics.
“There are some other community colleges in Kansas planning on adding this sport, as well as several NAIA schools that already have the program up and running,” said Calvert. “With our new track & field, soccer facility, we have a place to practice and compete, but it will be nice to have other schools already competing so a full schedule can be achieved.”
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 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."
Pratt Community College Athletic Director Tim Swartzendruber is firm in his belief that the addition of women’s flag football can only be a net positive for the institution.
“Women’s flag football is one of the fastest growing sports currently in the United States,” said Swartzendruber. “The fact that we can begin this program through a partnership with the NJCAA Foundation, NFL FLAG, and RCX Sports is truly exciting for Pratt Community College and the Pratt community. We have the opportunity to be one of the first community colleges in Kansas to start the sport and we will make it a great success at PCC.”
In June, the Beavers announced eSports to be added to its sport offerings, joining men’s and women’s tennis as newly added intercollegiate sport offerings. Women’s flag football is yet another opportunity for female student-athletes to get involved in.
"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, they'll earn a valuable education that will set them up for success after college."
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.
"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."
More news and information regarding Pratt Community College women's flag football opportunities will be announced in the future.
“PCC is always looking at adding unique opportunities for students to enroll, such as eSports, rodeo, shooting sports and now women’s flag football,” Calvert added. “The research also supports that students involved in activities or sports tend to be more successful students and anything we can do to further enhance student success, we will strongly consider.”
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.