RUSH: Inspiring Young Girls to Thrive Through Flag Football in Las Vegas

In Las Vegas, nearly 100 middle school girls were introduced to flag football through the RUSH program at the UNLV Peter Johann Memorial Soccer Field. Funded by the Las Vegas Raiders and taught by professors from the UNLV School of Public Health, RUSH aims to show girls how sports can positively impact their lives, emphasizing health benefits and life skills that sports can provide.

Dr. Jennifer Pharr, a professor of public health at UNLV, highlighted the many benefits of girls participating in sports, including lower risks of chronic diseases, improved mental health, and the development of skills like leadership and goal-setting. Despite these benefits, research has shown that girls in middle school drop out of sports at a higher rate than boys. This is why RUSH was designed to encourage girls to continue playing sports through high school.

Flag football was chosen as the core of the program due to its increasing popularity among girls and the opportunities it provides for scholarships and future participation in collegiate leagues. The program also addresses an alarming increase in anxiety and depression among teens during the pandemic. Dr. Pharr emphasized the importance of sports in helping girls build confidence, resist peer pressure, and avoid health challenges later in life. The ultimate goal of the program is to empower youth in Las Vegas to thrive and succeed in the years to come.