HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – Soccer is rapidly growing in Alabama and there aren’t enough officials to accommodate.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup had an impact on the growth of the sport.

“Instead of the World Cup arriving in America, America has arrived at the World Cup,” AHSAA Soccer Officials Coordinator Cedric Thomas said. “Watch parties across the county has showcased how America has reacted to the beautiful game.”

The 2026 World Cup reminded fans within North Alabama how special the game of soccer is and the game is rapidly growing in the Valley.

“It’s larger than any football program,” Alabama State Youth Referee Administrator Thomas Russell said. “We have more recreational soccer players than all of football combined.”

The rapid growth has created issues across the state. The biggest issue is the lack of soccer officials in Alabama.

There are around 900 certified soccer referees in Alabama, but the state needs about 1,500 for all games at all levels to operate smoothly.

“You cannot have an official game without officials,” Thomas said. “You can see the impact on the kids faces when only one or two referees show up and you need a third to make it an official game.”

The impact goes beyond the whistle. Referees in soccer have the ability to teach young athletes during games.

“We don’t coach them in the game, but we can teach them what they can and can’t do,” Russell said. “You can see a good referee who works with the kids and interacts with the kids. One that doesn’t just call a foul and go away.”

Soccer is highlighted on all levels in Huntsville. From youth soccer to AHSAA Soccer State Championships and the Huntsville City Football Club.

“I would say that the Huntsville Sports Commission and the city has solidified whatever that vision they had for soccer.”

More officials are needed for the sport to grow in North Alabama and across the state.

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MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced the retirement of Lee Sentell, Alabama’s longest-serving Tourism Director. Governor Bob Riley originally appointed Sentell in 2003.

“Since Lee began serving at the Department of Tourism, we have grown the state’s tourism revenue from $6 billion to nearly $25 billion. Lee should certainly be commended for his passion for our state and for its many attractions,” said Governor Ivey. “From promoting Alabama’s pristine beaches to our award-winning food to Civil Rights history, space, outdoors and everything in between, Lee has always had a special way for sharing the many great facets of our state’s tourism industry. Thanks to his service, we have broken tourism records, supported more jobs for Alabama families and created significant and meaningful revenue for our state.”

Under his leadership, the Department has pioneered yearly campaigns spotlighting such diverse themes as small towns, the arts, barbecue, natural wonders, birding and the Alabama Bicentennial celebration, winning the national industry’s coveted Mercury award six times in 12 years.

“Alabama is a special state, and I have been so proud to show people all over our country and around the world all that we have to offer,” said Sentell. “Leading the state’s tourism efforts for more than two decades and serving under Governor Ivey has been the honor of my life. I look forward to Alabama’s continued growth in the years ahead.”

The Department’s U.S. Civil Rights Trail campaign received the International Travel and Tourism Award for best regional promotion at the World Travel Market in London, becoming the first U.S. state tourism agency to be honored. Most recently, Tourism helped execute Governor Ivey’s America 250 Alabama Celebration on the front steps of the Alabama State Capitol where she unveiled a massive special 250 edition of the U.S. flag.

Governor Ivey also announced she is appointing Glenda Allred to lead Tourism for the remainder of the Ivey Administration. She comes to the post from serving as Deputy State Treasurer in Treasurer Young Boozer’s Office. Glenda began state service in 2011.

“I am excited to have Glenda joining the Ivey Administration to lead our state’s tourism efforts. Before working in the executive branch, she had nearly two decades of private sector experience that included marketing and media relations,” said Governor Ivey. “Glenda will be a fantastic addition to our team as we finish strong these next six months. Alabama has a lot left to tell, and I know we can continue doing that with Glenda’s leadership.”

Allred spent 15 years in the private sector with a bank holding company managing media relations, shareholder relations, all publications to shareholders and advertising for a 72-branch franchise in Alabama.

“I am honored by Governor Ivey’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve,” said Allred. “I look forward to working with the dedicated team at the Department of Tourism to advance our shared mission of improving the lives of the people of our state and all those who visit!”

She is a 1991 Huntingdon College graduate and currently serves on the Board of Trustees. Allred’s appointment is effective Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

An official headshot of Glenda Allred is attached.

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