July 31, 2025 – Roxbury Community College (RCC) is proud to announce the addition of women’s flag football to its athletic program, with the inaugural season set to launch in Spring 2026. This initiative marks a significant step toward further promoting gender equity in sports and is part of the College's ongoing commitment to expanding athletic opportunities for female student-athletes.
The launch of the women’s flag football program has been made possible in part through a generous $5,000 grant, which underscores the collaborative effort to cultivate and advance this sport at the collegiate level.
“At RCC, we are committed to supporting student athletes and providing comprehensive health, wellness, and wellbeing opportunities,” said Dr. Jonathan K. Jefferson, President of RCC. “Thanks to the generosity of the NJCAA Foundation, NFL Flag, and Reigning Champs Experiences, our robust portfolio now includes women’s flag football. We are grateful for the grant funding from mission-aligned organizations that share our commitment to empowering student athletes and closing the health equity gap.”
“RCC is thrilled to be at the forefront of this exciting new initiative,” said Albert Hayle, Athletic Director at RCC. “Women’s flag football is an incredible opportunity for our student-athletes to showcase their talents, gain valuable life skills, and further their leadership development. We are proud to support this growing sport and provide our female athletes with a competitive atmosphere that promotes inclusivity and empowerment.”
According to Andrew Givens, Executive Director of the NJCAA Foundation, "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. 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.”
The growth of women’s flag football has gained momentum, with an increasing number of junior colleges embracing the sport. RCC recognizes the important role it plays in this evolution, both in promoting healthy competition and in fostering an inclusive environment for female athletes.
"RCX is dedicated to creating opportunities for all athletes to play so that every child can gain important life skills only learned through sports," added Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports and NFL FLAG Executive Director. "Through NJCAA women's flag football, young women will not only be able to compete, but they’ll also earn a valuable education that will set them up for success after college."
Additionally, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent, Sr. commented, “The NJCAA expanding NFL Flag opportunities for female student-athletes at member institutions demonstrates clearly that football is for all. 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.”
Media Contact:
Jordan Smock, Associate Vice President
jsmock@rcc.mass.edu or 781-808-8568
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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 is committed to improving the
accessibility and inclusivity of sports by enhancing the youth sports experience and
creating opportunities for all athletes to play.
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, promoting a fun and accessible non-contact
program for youth athletes.
ABOUT ROXBURY COMMUNITY COLLEGE:
Roxbury Community College (RCC) is a public institution of higher education offering associate degrees, certificate programs, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities to the Greater Boston community. In 2021 the Department of Education recognized RCC as a Predominately Black Institution (PBI) making RCC the only PBI in the Northeastern United States. RCC offers 24 associate degree programs, 6 credit-based certificate programs, 13 non-credit professional certification programs, 30+ lifelong learning and fitness classes, and customized incumbent worker training programs. The College hosts hundreds of civic and community events at the Reggie Lewis Center and Media Arts Center each year. RCC is committed to providing all learners with the academic and non-academic support required for degree completion and long-term success. For more information on Roxbury Community College, visit www.rcc.mass.edu.
