HARRISBURG, Pa. – HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is proud to announce that the College has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Foundation to support the development of a Women’s Flag Football program.

With this funding, HACC is taking a major step toward expanding athletic opportunities for women, aiming to be at the forefront of this fast-growing sport. The HACC Hawks Women’s Flag Football Team is set to begin practices in the fall 2025 season, creating an exciting new chapter for women’s athletics at the College. HACC competes in region 19 of the NJCAA and is a member of Eastern Pennsylvania Athletic Conference. 

“We’re thrilled to introduce Women’s Flag Football at HACC! This exciting addition is set to enhance the student experience, enrich the athletic landscape and create pathways that will further opportunities in athletics for women,” said Fielding Vaughn, assistant dean of the Department of Wellness, Athletics, Retention and Engagement (WARE).

“RCX is dedicated to creating opportunities for all athletes to play and so that every child can gain important life skills only learned through sports,” said RCX Sports CEO and NFL FLAG Executive Director Izell Reese. “Through NJCAA women’s flag football, young women will not only be able to compete, they'll earn a valuable education that will set them up for success after college.”

“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,” stated Andrew Givens, NJCAA Foundation Executive Director. “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 NJCAA expanding NFL Flag opportunities for female student athletes at member institutions demonstrates clearly that football is for all,” added Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations Troy Vincent Sr. “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.”

WARE is committed to advancing women’s sports and providing student-athletes with the chance to compete at a high level while pursuing their education. Students interested in joining this emerging program are encouraged to complete the recruitment form on the HACC Hawks website. 

About HACC
HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is the first and largest of Pennsylvania’s 15 community colleges. HACC offers approximately 100 career and transfer associate degree, certificate and diploma programs to approximately 12,000 students. Also, the College serves students at its Gettysburg, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon and York campuses; through virtual learning; and via workforce development and continuing education training. For more information on how HACC is uniquely YOURS, visit hacc.edu. Also, follow us on X (@HACC_info), follow us on Instagram (@HACC_edu), like us on Facebook (Facebook.com/HACC64) and use #HACCNews.

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 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.

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. NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 5-17. Players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football as well as lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG.