In a big win for young athletes, NFL FLAG and Pop Warner Little Scholars have teamed up with RCX Sports to open more doors for kids to get involved in football. The new partnership will help communities all over the country offer both flag and tackle football options, giving families the flexibility to choose the style of play that’s best for their children.
The partnership will officially launch this December during the Crown Classic Flag Football Tournament at the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Charlotte, North Carolina. The tournament will bring together Pop Warner teams and other youth flag football groups from across the country for a national championship event — the first time these programs will officially compete on the same stage.
More Opportunities, More Access
Starting in Spring 2026, local Pop Warner programs will be able to include NFL FLAG leagues alongside their traditional tackle teams. That means kids can choose a full-contact season, try out the faster-paced, non-contact version, or even do both. It’s a setup designed to reach more kids, including boys and girls, and to make football a sport families can fit into their busy schedules.
Why It Matters
Flag football is booming — more than 2.4 million young athletes played organized flag in 2024, making it the fastest-growing youth sport in the country. By joining forces, NFL FLAG and Pop Warner want to remove barriers, make the game safer, and keep players engaged at every level.
“Football teaches so much more than the game itself — it builds character, friendships, and confidence,” said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports. “This partnership is about making sure more kids have that experience and more ways to get on the field.”
Steve Strawbridge, head of Pop Warner, called the collaboration a “game-changer,” noting that adding an official flag program will make youth football safer and more inclusive. Troy Vincent Sr., the NFL’s Executive VP of Football Operations, added that the move will have long-term benefits by providing affordable, accessible options for both boys and girls.
How You Can Join
Registration for seasons and tournaments will be available through NFLFLAG.com and PopWarner.com. Whether they’re pulling flags or making tackles, kids in every community will now have more chances to join a team, learn the game, and enjoy all the benefits that come with being part of youth sports.
