Key Takeaways
- RCX Sports partners with Missouri State Alliance of YMCAs and Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society to expand youth sports programming in both states
- The partnerships provide professional league-affiliated programming from the official youth operator for NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, and USTA
- RCX will deliver coach training, educational resources, and standardized programming to create consistent youth sports experiences
- Missouri YMCAs will receive professional branding and equipment while maintaining focus on accessibility and inclusion across local facilities
Building State-Level Distribution Through Established Community Networks
RCX Sports announced partnerships with two state-level organizations to expand its youth sports programming across Missouri and Pennsylvania. The Missouri State Alliance of YMCAs and the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society will incorporate RCX’s professional league-affiliated programs into their existing community sports offerings.
The partnerships give RCX access to established facility networks and local operational infrastructure. Missouri YMCAs serve communities across the state, while PRPS represents over 2,000 members working in parks and recreation throughout Pennsylvania. Both organizations operate youth sports programs and will now integrate RCX’s standardized curriculum and league affiliations.
Professional League Affiliations Meet Local Delivery Models
RCX Sports holds exclusive youth operator agreements with seven major professional leagues and governing bodies. The company provides officially licensed uniforms, curriculum, and training materials connected to the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, and USTA brands.
Through the new partnerships, local Missouri YMCAs and Pennsylvania recreation programs can now offer league-affiliated experiences. RCX will train coaches and staff on standardized programming while community partners handle facility management and day-to-day operations. This model allows RCX to scale without owning facilities while giving local organizations access to professional league branding and resources.
“By partnering with trusted local organizations like the Missouri State Alliance of YMCAs and the Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, we can provide the programming, tools, and support needed to build sustainable youth sports ecosystems that give every young athlete the chance to thrive,” said Izell Reese, CEO and founder of RCX Sports.
Addressing Barriers Through Multi-State Partnership Strategy
The partnerships target common participation barriers including cost, facility access, and coaching quality. RCX provides educational resources and training standards while community partners leverage existing facilities and community relationships to reach families.
Patricia Miller, CEO of Missouri Alliance of YMCAs, noted the partnership “will elevate YMCA programs by bringing professional branding, equipment, and experiences, while focusing on accessibility, inclusion, and community.”
Pennsylvania’s growing sports tourism sector creates additional context for the expansion. Kealy Daye, Education Manager at Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society, said the partnership helps “carry that momentum and energy to youth leagues statewide” as Pennsylvania becomes a hub for professional sports.
Replicating Community-Based Expansion Across Multiple States
The Missouri and Pennsylvania partnerships represent RCX’s community-based distribution strategy. Rather than operating facilities directly, the company works through state and regional organizations with existing youth sports infrastructure. This approach allows RCX to enter new markets through established community relationships while maintaining control over programming standards and league affiliations.
Both partnerships join what RCX describes as a “national network” of community organizations delivering its programming. The model provides local flexibility in operations while standardizing the youth sports experience through league branding, training protocols, and curriculum.
via: RCX
YSBR provides this content on an “as is” basis without any warranties, express or implied. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, legality, reliability, or use of the information, including any images, videos, or licenses associated with this article. For any concerns, including copyright issues or complaints, please contact YSBR directly.
About Youth Sports Business Report
Youth Sports Business Report is the largest and most trusted source for youth sports industry news, insights, and analysis covering the $54 billion youth sports market. Trusted by over 50,000 followers including industry executives, investors, youth sports parents and sports business professionals, we are the premier destination for comprehensive youth sports business intelligence.
Our core mission: Make Youth Sports Better. As the leading authority in youth sports business reporting, we deliver unparalleled coverage of sports business trends, youth athletics, and emerging opportunities across the youth sports ecosystem.
Our expert editorial team provides authoritative, in-depth reporting on key youth sports industry verticals including:
- Sports sponsorship and institutional capital (Private Equity, Venture Capital)
- Youth Sports events and tournament management
- NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) developments and compliance
- Youth sports coaching and sports recruitment strategies
- Sports technology and data analytics innovation
- Youth sports facilities development and management
- Sports content creation and digital media monetization
Whether you’re a sports industry executive, institutional investor, youth sports parent, coach, or sports business enthusiast, Youth Sports Business Report is your most reliable source for the actionable sports business insights you need to stay ahead of youth athletics trends and make informed decisions in the rapidly evolving youth sports landscape.
Join our growing community of 50,000+ industry leaders who depend on our trusted youth sports business analysis to drive success in the youth sports industry.
Stay connected with the pulse of the youth sports business – where industry expertise meets actionable intelligence.
Sign up for the biggest newsletter in Youth Sports – Youth Sports HQ – The best youth sports newsletter in the industry
Follow Youth Sports Business Report Founder Cameron Korab on LinkedIn
Are you a brand looking to tap into the world’s most passionate fanbase… youth sports?
Introducing Play Up Partners, a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
About Play Up Partners
Play Up Partners is a leading youth sports marketing agency connecting brands with the power of youth sports. We specialize in youth sports sponsorships, partnerships, and activations that drive measurable results.
Why Sponsor Youth Sports?
Youth sports represents one of the most engaged and passionate audiences in sports marketing. With over 70 million young athletes and their families participating annually, the youth sports industry offers brands unparalleled access to motivated communities with strong purchasing power and loyalty.
What Does Play Up Partners Do?
We’ve done the heavy lifting to untangle the complex youth sports landscape so our brand partners can engage with clarity, confidence, and impact. Our vetted network of accredited youth sports organizations (from local leagues to national tournaments and operators) allows us to create flexible, scalable programs that evolve with the market.
Our Approach
Every partnership we build is rooted in authenticity and value creation. We don’t just broker deals. We craft youth sports marketing strategies that:
- Deliver measurable ROI for brand partners
- Create meaningful experiences for athletes and families
- Elevate the youth sports ecosystem
Our Vision
We’re positioning youth sports as the most desirable and effective platform in sports marketing. Our mission is simple: MAKE YOUTH SPORTS BETTER for athletes, families, organizations, and brand partners.
Common Questions About Youth Sports Marketing
Where can I sponsor youth sports? How do I activate in youth sports? What is the ROI of youth sports marketing? How much does youth sports sponsorship cost?
We have answers. Reach out to info@playuppartners.com to learn how Play Up Partners can help your brand navigate the youth sports landscape.
Youth sports organizations: Interested in partnership opportunities? Reach out to learn about our accreditation process.


