Harford Community College Awarded Grant to Start Women’s Flag Football Program

Harford Community College in Bel Air, Maryland has received a $10,000 grant from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), NFL Flag and RCX Sports to fund the start-up of a women’s flag football program. Funding will be used to establish recruiting, hire coaches, and begin the process of building a team. The team will be officially established by the spring 2026 sports season.

“We appreciate the support from the NJCAA for the women’s flag football grant. With the support of the grant sponsors, Harford will be able to create new opportunities for female athletes, enhancing the offerings we currently provide and building community around a new and evolving sport,” said Ed Liesch, Athletic Director at Harford.

Harford’s President, Dr. Theresa B. Felder shared, “We are excited to bring a growing sport to Harford and to be one of the early participants in the NJCAA’s work to engage schools in this program. We will be among the first teams in Region 20 to have a flag football team, setting an example for other schools in our area.” There are currently nine teams in the NJCAA, and the program is in its third season. Harford will be one of two teams in Region 20.

Programs currently scrimmage with the nearest National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) teams or National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) club teams while the program builds at the community college level.

"The NJCAA Foundation is excited for the continued growth of women’s flag football at the two-year level. Through this partnership with NFL Flag and Reigning Champs Experiences, we are able to provide more resources and opportunities for student-athletes wanting to participate in women’s flag," said Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. "The NJCAA Women’s Flag Football Grant assists NJCAA member colleges in starting flag football programs while expanding sport opportunities at the two-year level.”

About the 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 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 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.

For further information, please contact Ed Liesch, Athletic Director, at eliesch@harford.edu.