ZUNI, NM (Aug. 26, 2024) — As August draws to a close, the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is launching two popular annual programs: the ZYEP Flag Football and Soccer Leagues. Flag football’s eight-week season starts Monday, Aug. 26, and concludes Oct. 20; the local soccer league for 4- to 7-year-olds also starts Aug. 26, and their six-week season ends on Oct. 6.
Flag football has 89 players, split between the league for ages 7-9 and the league for ages 10-12. The players will practice twice per week after school and participate in games on Sunday mornings.
ZYEP’s local soccer league has roughly 55 players ages 4-7, and they will play their games on Sundays at Ho’n A:wan Park before the flag football league arrives. The youth project also has a travel soccer league with approximately 45 players ages 8-14, which began earlier this month. They play their games in Gallup, New Mexico, on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings.
This is an exciting time for ZYEP’s soccer program. Not only does the nonprofit youth organization have a record number of youth coaches, this is the first time in approximately 10 years that it has hosted soccer games in Zuni Pueblo as well as in Gallup.
“Interest in soccer is rising,” said Tahlia Natachu-Eriacho, ZYEP’s executive director. “That’s exciting for all of us, and we’re looking forward to watching the program continue to develop and grow.”
Practices for the two soccer leagues are split by age range rather than by league. The 6- to 14-year-olds practice twice per week, while the 4- and 5-year-olds practice just once per week.
“We learned through our T-Ball League that one practice per week is best for our youngest players,” Natachu-Eriacho explained.
“We’re thrilled to be able to host practices and games here at the park for the 4- to 7-year-olds, because we want to build up our younger athletes here at home before taking them on the road for competitive play in Gallup,” she continued. “It also is a great way to accommodate and support families whose children are just starting their athletic journeys. It’s accessible to all.”
According to Tyler Sice, ZYEP’s physical activity coordinator, local parents are reporting that their children are excited to start the new season of flag football and soccer. And, parents of nervous first-timers say they are looking forward to seeing their children build confidence and new skills, as well as meaningful relationships with community coaches and friends.
“My son was unsure about playing this season,” one parent said. “Thanks to the encouragement from his friends and the coaches, he decided to play after all.”
The community coaches are excited, too, with one coach sharing, “I was waiting all year for this time. I really enjoy being with the kids and refereeing the games.”
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.
ZYEP surveys consistently have indicated that players feel more confident, more connected to the Zuni community, and more accepted by coaches and teammates when they participate in these programs. The majority have reported that they absorbed valuable lessons about living healthier, more active lifestyles as well.
Parents have been equally enthusiastic, reporting on their surveys that ZYEP’s youth sports improved their children’s health and encouraged them to be more physically active. They also said their children gained positive role models thanks to the dedicated coaches.
Not only do the coaches help their 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.
Through its Youth Sport initiative, ZYEP connects with more than 500 youth annually. In addition to flag football and soccer, young people are able to take advantage of seasonal leagues in 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.
