Minnesota North College – Vermilion is proud to announce the receipt of a $5,000 grant to establish a Women’s Flag Football program, marking an exciting new chapter for female student-athletes in northern Minnesota.
Flag Football has seen tremendous growth nationwide, and this funding will allow Vermilion to offer female athletes the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. “We are incredibly grateful for this support,” said Aaron Bender, Athletic Director. “This grant will make a meaningful impact, ensuring our female athletes have the resources they need to succeed both on and off the field. NJCAA Flag Football creates tremendous opportunities for young athletes to achieve their goals, and we cannot thank the NJCAA Foundation enough for their support.”
The grant was awarded through a partnership between the NJCAA Foundation, NFL FLAG, and RCX Sports—organizations that are instrumental in the expansion of Flag Football across the country.
“The NJCAA Foundation is passionate about the value women’s flag football brings to institutional growth, the student-athlete experience, and equality across playing fields,” said Andrew Givens, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “This is an opportunity for women in our 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 is the premier youth sports experiences business, operating leagues, camps, combines, tournaments, and events in collaboration with world-class partners including the NFL, Jr. NBA, NAIA, Rivals.com, and the 2022 World Games. RCX is committed to improving accessibility and inclusivity in sports, believing that every athlete should have the opportunity to experience the transformative power of athletics.
“RCX is dedicated to creating opportunities for all athletes to play and gain important life skills through sports,” said Izell Reese, RCX Sports CEO and NFL FLAG Executive Director. “Through NJCAA Women’s Flag Football, young women will not only compete—they’ll earn a valuable education that sets them up for success after college.”
NFL FLAG, an NFL-licensed property, includes more than 1,600 locally operated leagues and over 500,000 youth athletes across all 50 states. It offers a fun, accessible, non-contact football experience for boys and girls ages 5–17, emphasizing physical activity, teamwork, and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG.
“The NJCAA expanding NFL FLAG opportunities for female student-athletes demonstrates that football is truly for all,” said Troy Vincent, Sr., Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations. “The values, fun, and competitive environment of football can be enjoyed by anyone who wishes to participate. It’s exciting to see junior colleges offer NFL FLAG as a varsity sport for female athletes.”
The grant funds will be utilized over the next two years to recruit high school flag football athletes, purchase equipment, and develop a competitive schedule. The addition of Women’s Flag Football will enrich campus life and provide new opportunities for female students throughout the 2025–2026 academic year and beyond.
For more information about Minnesota North College – Vermilion athletics, please contact: Aaron Bender, Athletic Director, Minnesota North College – Vermilion at aaron.bender@minnesotanorth.edu.
Minnesota North College prepares lifelong learners and engaged citizens through inclusive, transformative experiences reflecting the character and natural environment of the region. For more information about Minnesota North College, please contact Annika Freiburger at annika.freiburger@minnesotanorth.edu.