ZUNI, NM (Aug. 310, 2023) — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project kicked off its annual Flag Football League for youth ages 7-12 on Monday, Aug. 21. Now in its second week, the program includes practices twice per week after school and games on Sunday mornings.
Made possible by support from Nike, New Mexico Department of Health, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the league currently has 10 teams with roughly 90 participants, and it is still growing. ZYEP is still welcoming new players, which means it also is actively seeking additional community coaches.
Siblings Brittney and Arick Booqua are first-time coaches in this year’s league. Arick said the role was a perfect fit for him.
“I always wanted to be a coach,” he explained, “because I want to teach the younger generation, including my little brother. He’s always asking questions about sports.”
The Booquas both said they had seen the nonprofit organization’s advertisements for coaches over the years, and they are glad they took the next step.
“I’ve always seen the nice opportunities ZYEP gives people,” Brittney said. “I thought I’d sign up and see what happens. I want to be a good example, get active, stay active, and make my health a priority. And, this is actually fun!”
“I saw the advertisement from my sister,” Arick remembered. “My parents told me, ‘How come you don’t apply for it and at least give it a try?’ So I applied and got in.
“I kind of lost myself during Covid, but I always wanted to keep myself fit,” he continued. “I want to be active for these kids, because they’re so energized! And it’s such a great learning experience, to be a coach.”
For nearly 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 leagues offer a challenging sports environment that also is collaborative, supportive and empowering.
Over the years, ZYEP surveys have indicated that players feel more confident, more connected to the Zuni community, and more accepted by coaches and teammates in the wake of their participation in the youth sports leagues. The majority also reported that they absorbed valuable lessons about living healthier, more active lifestyles while they learned to play their chosen sports.
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.
To learn more about the 2023 Flag Football League and coaching opportunities, contact ZYEP at (505) 782-8000.
Through its Youth Sport initiative, ZYEP connects with more than 500 youth annually. In addition to flag football, young people also are able to take advantage of seasonal leagues in basketball, soccer and T-ball. 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.
