Nearly 100 middle school girls were introduced to flag football at the UNLV Peter Johann Memorial Soccer Field in Las Vegas through the RUSH program. Funded by the Las Vegas Raiders and taught by professors from the UNLV School of Public Health, RUSH aims to showcase how sports can have a positive impact on young lives.
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, which is why RUSH was designed to encourage girls to continue playing sports through high school.
The core of the program is flag football, which has been gaining popularity among young women and provides opportunities for scholarships and future participation in collegiate leagues. Flag football also offers a unique opportunity for girls to develop their physical fitness and athletic skills while learning important life lessons like teamwork, communication, and perseverance.
RUSH was created in response to the alarming increase in anxiety and depression among teens during the pandemic. Dr. Pharr emphasized the importance of sports in helping young women build confidence, resist peer pressure