Steven Burke Brings Opportunity and Lifelong Connections Through the Game
ANNAPOLIS, Md. , Jan. 8, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — For Steven Burke, owner of RISE Flag Football Powered by Under Armour in Annapolis, the sport is more than just a game. As he launched the spring season and his 10th year in business, it’s a platform to foster community, create opportunities, and inspire personal growth among youth. As a former college athlete in the Philadelphia area and a father of two college-bound athletes, Steven has seen firsthand how sports can shape lives, foster lifelong friendships, and even open doors to future careers.
“I saw a gap in our community—kids who had never played tackle football but wanted to experience the joy and teamwork of the game. Flag football became the answer. It’s not just about football; it’s about giving kids the chance to participate in something they never thought they could do.”
“When I started RISE Flag Football, I wasn’t focused solely on the sport,” says Steven. “I saw a gap in our community—kids who had never played tackle football but wanted to experience the joy and teamwork of the game. Flag football became the answer. It’s not just about football; it’s about giving kids the chance to participate in something they never thought they could do.”
More than just a sports league, this initiative aims to provide a nurturing environment for young athletes to not only grasp the fundamentals of flag football but also cultivate crucial traits such as leadership, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Steven Burke’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. “The most rewarding part of this journey is hearing from kids and parents,” he says. “When someone stops me to say they love playing flag football and never imagined they’d have the chance, it reminds me why I started this.”
The impact of RISE Flag Football extends far beyond the field. Through a partnership with the Governor’s Office, Burke and RISE have brought its programs to underserved communities, including neighborhoods affected by crime and poverty. This year, RISE introduced two new sites for children living in fully subsidized housing, where families participated at no cost thanks to state sponsorship.
“Our mission is to ensure that every child, no matter their background, can experience the benefits of team sports,” Burke explains. “Flag football is the vehicle, but the real goal is to provide opportunity, mentorship, and a sense of belonging.”
The league is ending the year with much to be proud of. The league saw an exceptional year of growth and impact in 2024, marking significant milestones that underscore its commitment to youth development. The organization has seen remarkable expansion, including engaging over 40,000 enthusiastic youth and providing them a platform to learn, grow and excel both on and off the field, securing a monumental partnership with global sports brand Under Armour, and signing over 100 agreements with owners in local markets across 20 states.
For more information on registration, league details, and how to get involved, click HERE.
Media Contact
Julie Green, RISE Flag Football Powered by Under Armour, 1 9199068592, jgreen@uariseflag.com, RISE Flag Football Powered by Under Armour
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SOURCE RISE Flag Football Powered by Under Armour
