The Cleveland Browns, in partnership with CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM), the official mortgage partner of the Cleveland Browns, celebrated National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) Feb. 3 by hosting a girls youth flag football clinic at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus in Berea. The event welcomed 200 elementary-aged girls from across Northeast Ohio for a morning focused on football fundamentals, confidence-building, leadership, and essential real-world skill development.
Empowering girls through youth flag football
The clinic reflects the Browns’ continued commitment to growing the pipeline for girl’s flag football and expanding access to meaningful youth sports opportunities across the region. As a longstanding investor in Northeast Ohio, CCM plays a critical role in supporting initiatives that empower young female athletes and help foster long-term success both on and off the field.
“At CrossCountry Mortgage, advocating for women means creating real opportunities that help girls discover their strengths and envision a future without limits,” said Laura Soave, Chief Brand Officer at CrossCountry Mortgage. “We know that when girls are given the confidence to show up boldly and believe in their potential, incredible things happen. Partnering with the Cleveland Browns on this event and seeing 200 young girls feel inspired, build skills and lift each other up is exactly the kind of impact we’re proud to champion.”
Throughout the two-hour clinic, participants rotated through a series of football skill stations, including passing, catching, route running, and agility drills, led by Browns youth football coaches and CCM volunteers. Off the field, the girls engaged in leadership, teamwork, and future-readiness activities designed to build life foundations and strengthen their personal development.
National leaders in women’s flag football join the clinic
USA Football U.S. Women’s National Team assistant coach and defensive coordinator, Mary Kate “M.K.” Beach attended the clinic to support its participants. A leading figure in the sport and an international gold medalist with Team USA Football as both a player and coach, Beach was on-site to guide athletes through drills, provide techniques and share encouragement about the growth of girls and women’s flag football in the U.S. and abroad.
“With girls flag football now sanctioned at the high school level in Ohio, it’s special to see years of advocacy come to life and celebrate the progress being made,” Jenner Tekancic, Browns Vice President of Community Relations said. “Hosting events like this with CrossCountry Mortgage, a partner who truly values this space, allows us to encourage young girls to get involved in sports and envision themselves in the future of the game, both on the field and off.”
The event concluded with closing remarks, a group photo, and special takeaways for each participant.
About the Cleveland Browns and Browns Give Back:
The Cleveland Browns are committed to championing education and youth football, while also creating equitable opportunities for advancement in our community and throughout Ohio. For more information, visit www.clevelandbrowns.com/brownsgiveback.