CHICAGO, May 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — NFL FLAG, the official flag football program of the National Football League (NFL), today announced the launch of NFL FLAG Canada and the NFL FLAG Canada Regional Tournaments.
NFL FLAG’s mission is to empower youth athletes ages 4 to 17 and instill a lifelong passion for flag football through leagues that are engaging, fun, and accessible for everyone. The leagues provide a structured opportunity for kids to discover the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, and friendship, both on and off the field.
“The launch of NFL FLAG Canada is an example of our continued commitment to grow the game, strengthening interest and increasing participation in football among Canadians,” said David Thomson, Managing Director, NFL Canada. “We are pleased to officially recognize and support NFL FLAG leagues across Canada and look forward to creating more opportunities for local youth athletes and NFL fans to enjoy the game of flag football.”
Over the next three years, NFL FLAG expects to have 250 NFL FLAG leagues operating and more than 100,000 youth flag football athletes participating in NFL FLAG Canada.
“Flag football is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States, with regular participation of more than three million youth and adults each year,” said NFL FLAG Executive Director Izell Reese. “We’re excited to bring NFL FLAG to Canada’s loyal football fanbase and provide opportunities for young fans to learn the fundamentals of the game and experience the excitement of flag football.”
NFL FLAG will work closely with clubs that have been granted NFL international home marketing areas in Canada, including the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, to drive fan growth and participation internationally.
The inaugural NFL FLAG Canada Regional Tournaments will take place in four provinces across Canada including Vancouver, BC, Regina, Saskatchewan, Halifax, Nova Scotia and Toronto, Ontario between June and July 2022.
Non-NFL FLAG teams are invited to compete in the NFL FLAG Canada Regional Tournaments. Schedules are now live, and registration is open for all regional tournaments. For more information, visit https://nflflag.com/events/canada.
NFL FLAG Canada Regional Tournaments join the 16 US-based NFL FLAG Regional Tournaments as part of the 2022 NFL FLAG Tournament Series.
Winning teams from the NFL FLAG Canada Regional Tournaments will qualify to compete in the NFL FLAG Championships at Pro Bowl presented by Subway in February 2023.
A comprehensive schedule of all 2022 NFL FLAG Tournament Series events can be found at www.nflflag.com/events.
NFL FLAG Canada marks an important step in the NFL’s international plan, which aims to grow NFL FLAG globally over the next five years.
The NFL will continue its international expansion by sponsoring the debut of flag football at the 2022 World Games this July in Birmingham, Alabama.
“NFL FLAG has played an important role in helping the NFL attract a whole new generation of fans and expand our business internationally,” said Damani Leech, NFL Chief Operating Officer of International. “The introduction of flag football at the 2022 World Games and launch of NFL FLAG Canada demonstrate the growing global interest in the game of football and ongoing efforts across the global football community to include flag football in the 2028 Olympic Games.”
NFL FLAG includes more than 1,600 locally operated leagues in the U.S. and over 500,000 youth athletes across all 50 states. NFL FLAG is the only flag football league where players wear officially-licensed NFL gear.
For more information and the latest news about NFL FLAG operated by RCX Sports, visit www.NFLFLAG.com.
ABOUT NFL FLAG
NFL FLAG is an NFL-licensed property of more than 1,600 locally operated leagues in the United States 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 4-17. 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.
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, MLB, NHL, 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.
