A team we at MidAmerica have shared an office with for three years, the RedZone RaZors were founded in 2021 by Tyler Blum and are based out of Iowa City. Veterans of 7v7 Football, they’ve recently added a girls flag football team: the RedZone RoyalZ.
RedZone doesn’t recruit from a specific town or school, instead welcoming students from across the state of Iowa, including as far from Iowa City as the Quad Cities. Coach Blum aims to bring a level of professionality to his club, using his own experience to provide more structure for his students. The team wants to attract players who are serious about football, providing a high level place to compete and play football.
With open registration, RedZone wants to put up as few barriers to entry as possible, giving more students the chance to play. The format of 7v7 football helps make that possible, as it “Fast-tracks the exciting parts of football” according to Coach Blum. With 7v7 football, students learn the basics of football with structure, but more freedom than allowed in tackle football. Coach Blum views 7v7 as a separate sport, carving out a niche and more opportunities for flag football as well.
With a long history in 7v7 football, the RedZone RaZors have their share of accomplishments, including winning 2 division 2 state championships at the 10U/12U level in 2023. Coach Blum appreciates all the students who’ve come through the team and taken the pledge to play for the RaZors.
The organization wants to help it’s students develop the intangible skills of focus, effort, and desire, the three things Coach Blum believes can help athletes achieve their full potential. Without the drive to reach 100%, many students may never realize what they’re fully capable of, and Coach Blum wants to get as many of them to meet that potential as possible.
With their recent expansion, RedZone hopes to provide more opportunities for girls with RedZone RoyalZ as well.
According to Coach Blum, there’s been a push for more girls flag football, but the challenge is still getting people involved and laying the groundwork for the future of the sport. For the RoyalZ, their goal is to get in as many games as they can against the best competition RedZone can find. Despite the work required, just like with 7v7 football, it will be worth it to RedZone if they can provide more chances for students to fall in love with the sport of football.
For more information about RedZone or to get into contact with them, check out their socials below:
Instagram: RedZoneIA
Facebook: RedZoneIA