^{Courtesy: Jonathan Chumley}

GALVESTON — Football season is approaching, but one Galveston youth football program urgently needs additional players and coaches.

The Galveston Hurricanes and Whirlettes are recruiting participants for the 2026 season. If the program does not secure enough players and coaches by Thursday, July 30, organizers say they may have no choice but to cancel the season.

While the varsity roster has enough players, the junior varsity, freshman and sophomore teams remain short. Each team needs at least 11 players between the ages of 5 and 9 to compete. Organizers hope to recruit between 16 and 20 additional players and reach 31 participants across the program.

Hurricanes manager Rosalie M. Daly said the league provides an important opportunity for children in Galveston County. She encouraged parents to register their children for a season focused on camaraderie, personal development and fun.

“It not only teaches them teamwork, integrity, values and skills but lifelong friendships,” Daly said. “It helps them believe in themselves by growing their self-confidence. … We’re trying to make sure that we get them ready for their next level, which will be middle school and then high school.”

The Galveston Hurricanes are among the oldest youth football organizations in Galveston, tracing their history to 1920. After disbanding in 1941, the organization was revived in 1993 and won its first Super Bowl in 1996.

At the time, the program was led by Bessie Cardwell, the first Black woman to serve as president of the Texas Intercity Football Inc. League, and Athletic Director Larry Hilton Sr. The championship coaching staff included head coach Val Boyer and assistant coaches Ronald Polite, the late Andrew Hunter Sr. and Dietrich Johnson Sr.

The Hurricanes are also known as one of the places where NFL wide receiver Mike Evans began his football career.

Registration costs $150 this year. Practices are held Tuesdays through Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. Once the season begins, games for all teams and age groups are scheduled for Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Weis Collegiate Academy Field.

Parents seeking additional information about registration may email galveston.hurricanes@yahoo.com.