Central Community College athletics has received a $5,000 grant for its recently announced women’s flag football team. The grant is provided by the NJCAA Foundation, NFL FLAG and Reigning Champs Experiences (RCX).
CCC announced women’s flag football in March and intends to field a competitive squad in 2028. The grant will assist CCC athletics with start-up costs and logistics.
“We are incredibly grateful to the NJCAA Foundation, NFL FLAG and Reigning Champs Experiences for their support as we start women’s flag football at Central Community College,” said Mary Young, CCC athletics director. “As we build this program from the ground up, this grant will help provide resources, create opportunities for student-athletes and establish a strong foundation for long-term success.”
Young also noted how the grant will assist CCC athletics in providing new opportunities for student-athletes.
“We are excited to be the first community college in the state of Nebraska and NJCAA Region 11 to offer flag football,” Young said. “Central’s forward thinking will play a significant role in expanding opportunities and growing the game within our community and across the NJCAA.
Established in 2018, 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.
“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,” said NJCAA Foundation Executive Director Andrew Givens. “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.”
RCX Sports 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 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."
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. "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."
