ZUNI, NM (Oct. 31, 2024) — As the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project brought its annual flag football season to a close on Oct. 20, it was clear the season was a wild success — and not just for the kids. Practices and games brought entire families and multiple generations together at Ho’n A:wan Park to celebrate the community’s children.
Made possible with support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and Nike, the season began on Monday, Aug. 26 and ran for eight weeks, attracting 100 youth who were evenly split into groups for ages 7-9 and 10-12. Eighteen community coaches worked closely with the children every step of the way, including seven youth coaches.
Players practiced twice per week after school and played games on Sunday mornings. Tyler Sice, ZYEP’s physical activity coordinator, noted that the season was met with great excitement from the community from Day 1.
“Many families showed up to the park to watch the kids play throughout the season,” he said. “They showed so much energy, gratitude and joy. They expressed appreciation for the program, and they told us that our coaches inspired their kids to play again next year.
“The coaches got to do the things they do best,” he continued. “Inspire, motivate and nurture a love for the sport.”
Coach Kevin Bowannie said he liked seeing the kids improve their skills while also coming out of their shells over the course of the season. Coach Nataani Martin Jr. added that he enjoyed watching the kids have fun together and seeing their excitement for their first big game.
Coach Anthony Sice said it was fun to see how a team would react when something exciting happened on the field, such as an interception.
“Everyone would be hyped, excited, clapping and high-fiving each other,” he shared. “I think that’s pretty cool. Same on offense; someone would get a catch, and everyone would be clapping it up once we got into the huddle. That’s all I could ask for.”
“Everyone was nice to each other and showed good sportsmanship,” he added.
For coach Avery Ohmsatte, a major season highlight was simply being able to encourage his players and offer assistance when they needed help. He said he loved seeing his players build confidence and start to lead their team in practices and games.
“It’s a good feeling to see players who are having a hard time catching or throwing start to improve, especially when they are able to do something in a game that they had a hard time doing in practice,” he explained.
The season also was a successful one from the kids’ perspective. In post-season surveys, 94 percent of players reported they enjoyed flag football, 77 percent said the season helped them feel more confident, and 82 percent said they felt supported by friends.
Player Mason Leekya-Cheama has been part of ZYEP’s flag football program for two years. He says it helps him spend more time outdoors, and he loves how he and his fellow players all work as a team.
Player Lorenzo Pinto just completed his second season in the flag football program as well. He said he enjoys catching and running, and his favorite part of the experience is simply “being happy.”
Parents shared positive feedback as well, with 100 percent reporting their children had fun, improved their self-confidence, made new friends and became more physically active. More than 95 percent said their children’s overall health improved, and they gained positive role models through the experience.
“It was an amazing season,” one parent noted. “It helped my child bring the best of herself and make new friends.”
“It is always awesome to see the kiddos play and enjoy themselves,” another parent said. “It is good to see, and (we) enjoy coming to watch.”
“It was a great experience for both our player and for the family,” agreed a third parent. “Thank you for giving our kids the opportunity to participate in something positive.”
For 15 years, ZYEP has offered youth sports with the belief that they have the power to transform the lives of Zuni youth and bring the community even closer together. The youth project’s sport leagues offer a challenging environment that also is collaborative, supportive and empowering.
Not only do the leagues help young players build skills and confidence, they also help strengthen the connections the children have with Zuni culture. Throughout each season, coaches use the Zuni language to reinforce important cultural values, including encouragement, teamwork, strength and resilience.
Today, ZYEP connects with more than 500 youth annually through youth sports. In addition to flag football, young people are able to take advantage of seasonal leagues in soccer, basketball and T-ball as well. More importantly, they have access to mentorship through ZYEP’s staff and coaches, camaraderie with teammates throughout the leagues, and powerful community spirit.
To learn more about the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project and its programs, and for information about making donations, partnering with ZYEP, and volunteering, call (505) 782-8000 or visit zyep.org. And, to stay up to date on the latest news and events, follow the nonprofit youth organization on Facebook (/zuniyouthenrichmentproject), Instagram (@zuniyouthenrichmentproject), YouTube (/ZuniYouth), and TikTok (/zyep09)
Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is dedicated to promoting resilience among Zuni youth so they will grow into strong, healthy adults who are connected with Zuni traditions. ZYEP fulfills its mission by providing positive role models, enriching programs, and nurturing spaces that contribute to the healthy development of Zuni youth. ZYEP strives to provide every child with the encouragement and opportunities they need to reach their full potential.
