Redondo Union High School's football and cross country programs head into the 2026-27 school year with their booster clubs officially authorized, according to the Redondo Beach Unified School District board's consent calendar from its Tuesday, Aug. 11 meeting, eight days before classes resume.

The consent calendar included authorization for four Redondo Union booster clubs: Football, Cross Country/Track, Theater Arts and Band. The approvals carry no fiscal impact to the district and were processed under Board Policy 1230, which governs parent-run support organizations. Consent-calendar items typically pass without discussion.

The timing matters for the Sea Hawks' fall athletes. Redondo Union's varsity football team opens Aug. 21 at El Segundo in a Week 0 matchup, followed by a home game against Torrance on Aug. 28. Junior linebacker Cooper Burns enters the season on Sports Illustrated's list of top linebackers to watch in the CIF Southern Section. The football program reached the CIF Division 5 final in November 2025 before falling to Rio Hondo Prep.

The cross country squad, meanwhile, is already deep into preseason work. The board approved a high-altitude training camp at Big Bear Lake in April, and the team trained there July 26-31. The program is building on a breakthrough 2025 season that ended with the boys team winning its first CIF State championship in December.

Booster clubs fund extras that district budgets don't cover: equipment upgrades, travel costs, team meals and event logistics. Applications are on file at the district's Office of Administrative Services at 1401 Inglewood Ave., Redondo Beach; electronic copies are available by emailing Jennifer Melgar at the district office.

AYSO field agreement added

At the same meeting, the consent calendar included a Field Improvement and Scheduling Agreement with AYSO Regions 34 and 17, which serve South and North Redondo Beach, respectively. The agreement establishes shared responsibilities for maintenance and a scheduling framework so district athletic programs and community youth soccer can coexist on the same fields, including the turf at One Sea Hawk Way.

The agreement carries no cost to the district.

With classes starting Wednesday, Aug. 19, the Sea Hawks' football opener at El Segundo follows just two days later.