Clarence Hicks Sports Complex hosts NFL FLAG Regional Tournament
The Chicago Bears NFL FLAG Regional Tournament marked the first-ever tournament hosted at the newly expanded Clarence Hicks Sports Complex, part of the Rockford Park District.
A heartfelt thank you to the Chicago Bears, Chicago Bears Outreach, and RCX Sports for choosing the City of Rockford and Winnebago County as the destination for this incredible event - bringing 61 boys’ and girls’ teams from Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Iowa to compete for a chance to advance to the national championships.
Six local teams from the NFL FLAG league run by the Rockford Park District participated in the tournament, including two 14U girls teams, two 14U boys teams, and two 10U coed teams. Congratulations to our regional champions, the 10U Rockford Bears, led by Coach Johnson and Coach Cade, and the 14U Rockford Bears, led by Coach Hyatte and Coach Pike.
10U Rockford Bears, Coach Johnson and Coach Cade
14U Rockford Bears, Coach Hyatte and Coach Pike
Thank you also to partners such as GoRockford for helping to welcome athletes to the area and showcasing Rockford as a top destination to play, stay, and explore. The Chicago Bears NFL FLAG Regional Tournament didn’t just bring the action to the field; it pumped an estimated $467,509 into our local economy.
The Chicago Bears NFL FLAG Regional Tournament is run by RCX Sports, the official youth sports operator for the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, and USTA. Boys’ and girls’ teams will compete across 11 divisions, with ages ranging from 8U–14U for boys and 10U through high school for girls.
“We’re proud to bring the Chicago Bears NFL FLAG Regional Tournament to Rockford for the first time,” said Izell Reese, CEO of RCX Sports. “Events like this do more than create opportunities for young athletes—they deliver real value to the communities that host them. This tournament marks an exciting milestone for youth sports in the region, helping to foster growth, inspire young athletes, and strengthen the local economy. The rapid rise of flag football—especially among girls—highlights the power of community partnerships and the importance of creating spaces where every kid can play, compete, and belong.”
Flag football has become one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the country. NFL Flag is the largest flag football league in the United States serving youth athletes ages 4 to 17 years old. NFL FLAG leagues are no-contact, giving boys and girls of all abilities a chance to develop their fundamental football skills in a positive, inclusive environment. NFL Flag is now sanctioned by the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) for girls and is anticipated to be an Olympic event in 2028. The Chicago Bears have also been instrumental in advancing flag football, especially girls' flag football for area high school. Recently, the Chicago Bears presented a $50,000 check to the Rockford Park District to start an inaugural middle school league and offer opportunities for 6th-grade girls and 8th-grade girls.
About Go Rockford: GoRockford is responsible for promoting the Rockford region as an attractive travel destination and enhancing its public image as a dynamic place to live and work. Through the impact of travel, GoRockford strengthens the economic position of the region and provides opportunities for people in our communities.
About RCX Sports: RCX Sports is the leader in youth sports experiences, operating and partnering with leagues, events, and brands to engage and empower the next generation of athletes. As the official youth sports operator for the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, and USTA, RCX is the only multi-sport organization trusted by pro leagues and governing bodies to represent them. RCX Sports delivers officially licensed uniforms, comprehensive resources, and full support, empowering league operators to create the best youth sports experiences in their communities. Committed to making youth sports accessible and inclusive, RCX Sports creates opportunities for all athletes to play and benefit from the transformative power of sports.
About the Rockford Park District: The Rockford Park District improves the quality of life for citizens by providing a vibrant, inclusive, and relevant park system that increases property values, stimulates economic development, creates economic impact, increases positive outcomes for youth, and improves our community’s health. A vibrant and relevant park system also protects the environment, employs hundreds of area teens, and brings our diverse community together in unity, through the common love of play.