ZUNI, NM (Aug. 25, 2023) — The popular Youth Sport initiative is in full swing at the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project this summer. Made possible by support from Nike, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), ZYEP Youth Sport recently wrapped up its inaugural T-ball season and is now hosting its annual soccer league for 80 young people ages 4-14.
What’s more, ZYEP and New Mexico’s professional soccer team, New Mexico United, will be hosting a fundraiser on Sept. 30 to support Zuni youth. During their home game that day, NMU will donate $5 from each ticket to ZYEP.
“It is their Indigenous Peoples Night,” explained Tahlia Natachu, ZYEP’s executive director. “Our players will have the opportunity to attend the game with their families, watch the team warm-ups, be recognized during the game, and go out onto the field afterward to meet the professional players, get autographs and take photos.”
According to NMU, all youth associated with ZYEP, as well as kids whose families purchased tickets through the dedicated fundraiser link, will be given this special experience. For more information and to purchase tickets for the Sept. 30 game, visit: https://pa.exchange/marketplace/5488d39c-3de9-11ee-bdd1-dd69e8f5c5e1/storefront/5488d4fa-3de9-11ee-8f8e-fd6faf41ce06.
In the meantime, ZYEP’s 80 players in the 2023 soccer league are busy with their season. Practices began on July 24, with four teams practicing at Ho’n A:wan Park on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6-7 p.m., and two teams practicing on Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30-7:30 p.m. The teams are organized by age group.
“We have a higher number of registered participants this year,” said Tyler Sice, ZYEP’s physical activity coordinator. “We have 26 players that qualify for U10, so we split it into two teams.”
Sice also reflected on another new development this summer: ZYEP’s first T-ball season. The inaugural league, which ended in late July, provided a wide variety of valuable lessons and experiences.
“Next year, we’ll have a shade structure and half-time events like half-time home-run derby for youth and families,” he noted. “We’ll also have a longer season, because it was such a highlight to have strong parent and family engagement.”
ZYEP’s first cohort of T-ball coaches also learned from their experiences. Jalen Hannaweekea said he had fun teaching the community’s 4- and 5-year-olds a sport they hadn’t tried before.
“I learned that it takes patience and confidence to teach children their age, since it doesn’t take much for them to lose focus,” he reflected. “I enjoyed this a lot. Thank you to ZYEP for giving me such a fun opportunity.”
Kalil Edaakie said she learned that T-ball is more than just a game — it’s an introduction to baseball and softball, which will come later. She also noted that any apprehensiveness she felt about teaching such young children melted away during the four-week league.
“I’m so glad I got to know this memorable group of kids,” she said. “Each kiddo, with their own personality, learned and had fun with the game while also making new friends. Hopefully they’ll stick with the sport, keep having fun, and keep cheering for their friends.
“It really had an impact on me, how excited the kids were to learn and how much they enjoyed themselves,” she continued. “It influenced me to become more open to the idea of working with kids.”
Mariah Natewa said it was a fun season, and the hourlong morning practices and games were perfect for this age group.
“It was fun to see these young kids step out of their comfort zone,” she said. “I want to give my thanks to ZYEP for putting this on. I would not mind coaching again!”
ZYEP’s Youth Sport initiative brings together staff, community coaches and parents to create a highly supportive, empowering environment for youth participants. During each league, children develop new skills, learn the value of teamwork, build confidence, and perhaps most importantly, have fun.
More than 500 youth participate in ZYEP Youth Sport leagues each year. In addition to soccer and T-ball, young people also are able to take advantage of a spring basketball league and a late-summer flag football league.
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.
