YOUTH

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Hopkins brings NFL FLAG league to Peoria kids

BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF

NFL wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has teamed up with NFL FLAG and the Arizona Cardinals to bring the latest official NFL FLAG league, DeAndre Hopkins NFL FLAG Football, to the Valley.

DeAndre Hopkins NFL FLAG Football will offer elementary and middle school boys and girls a one-of-a-kind flag football experience, access to premier playing facilities, Cardinals and NFL FLAG gear and apparel, and exclusive content and training tips from Hopkins.

“I’m excited to present the DeAndre Hopkins NFL FLAG Football to the Arizona community,” Hopkins said. “This program is a great way to not only grow the game of football but help push something I’m very passionate about, youth health and wellness. I’m extremely grateful for this opportunity and am looking forward to making some unforgettable memories this upcoming season.”

League locations include Phoenix, Scottsdale, Peoria, Tempe and Laveen, with more to be added throughout the year.

The winter season will run from Dec. 4 to Feb. 5, with league play hosted on Saturdays.

The Arizona Cardinals join Hopkins and NFL FLAG in their effort to provide access to flag football to boys and girls across the United States. Participants of the DeAndre Hopkins NFL FLAG football league will have exclusive access to NFL FLAG’s quality programming, special events and experiences hosted by the Arizona Cardinals and Hopkins.

“It is great to see current NFL players like DeAndre start a NFL FLAG league in the greater Phoenix community,” said Roman Oben, NFL vice president of football development.

“These efforts will create more opportunities for all kids to learn the game of football.”

In partnership with Every Kid Sports, NFL FLAG works to make the game of flag football more accessible and affordable to athletes from income-restricted families across the United States.

Every Kid Sports, a leading national nonprofit dedicated to removing the financial barriers of youth recreational sports, covers the cost of registration fees for athletes from income-restricted families so they can experience the positive benefits of playing sports.

Starting in fall, Every Kid Sports allows NFL FLAG qualifying athletes to register for a league for $10.

“DeAndre has always been outspoken about the importance of giving back to his community, and we’re thrilled he chose to make an impact through NFL FLAG,” said Izell Reese, NFL FLAG executive director and RCX Sports CEO.

“We’re grateful for DeAndre’s partnership and excited to get more NFL stars involved in NFL FLAG leagues across the country so we can help create even more opportunities for athletes to play.”

All games will follow NFL FLAG Return-to-Play Protocol, as well as federal, state and local COVID-19 guidelines to help ensure the health and safety of athletes and staff. All events are subject to change, delays and/or cancellation depending upon recommended COVID-19 safety measures.

Registration is open until Sunday, Nov. 14. For more information, visit DeAndreHopkinsNFLFLAG.com.

With more than 1,600 locally operated leagues and over 500,000 youth athletes across all 50 states, NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible noncontact sport for youth ages 5-17. NFL FLAG is the only flag football league where players wear officially licensed NFL gear.

Flag football is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, with regular participation of more than 3 million youth and adults each year.

For more information and the latest news about NFL FLAG operated by RCX Sports, visit nflflag.com.

Christina Fuoco-Karasinski at 480-898-5631 or christina@timespublications.com

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JANUARY 31, 2022

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