ZUNI, N.M. (Feb. 11, 2026) — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project is preparing for the launch of its 2026 Basketball League, a popular spring program that serves more than 200 Zuni youth each year. Registration for the league will take place Feb. 17 through March 4, with the season officially kicking off March 23.
Once registration is complete, ZYEP will host its Basketball League Family Night on Wednesday, March 11, at the new Zuni Fair building. Participants ages 6-7 and their families will learn more about the season, expectations and logistics starting at 5:30 p.m., while participants ages 8-12 and their families will begin their session at 6:45 p.m.
ZYEP’s annual basketball league offers a supportive, structured environment where young athletes ages 6-12 can build skills, confidence and healthy habits while learning teamwork and sportsmanship. It’s made possible with support from Nike, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the New Mexico Department of Health’s Healthy Kids Healthy Communities program.
Registration for the league will be paper only, with staff distributing registration forms at local schools on the first day. In addition, families may register at the ZYEP office at Ho’n A:wan Park, which will remain open until 7 p.m. throughout the registration period to accommodate working families.
According to Tyler Sice, ZYEP’s physical activity coordinator, the nonprofit youth organization is introducing several updates this year to enhance the experience for both players and coaches.
“We’re continuing to strengthen our coach training by emphasizing facilitation skills and effective planning for practices,” Sice said. “Our goal is to make sure coaches feel confident and prepared, so they can create practices that are engaging, inclusive and fun for everyone.”
While the annual basketball league historically welcomed children ages 7-12, ZYEP has opened up the program this season to ages 6-12. The staff has also introduced new divisions and rules designed to better accommodate differences in skill level.
Youth ages 6-7 will participate in the 7U Rain division, with practices held at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School. Children ages 8-10 will play in the 10U Lightning division, practicing at STE and Zuni Middle School. Youth ages 11-12 will compete in the 12U Thunder division, with practices at ZMS.
Players will practice twice per week, with games on Fridays. The season will conclude in mid-May with two tournaments.
“One will be a round robin tournament that will take place during the last practice week of the season, and all divisions will participate,” Sice explained. “Then the older players in the Lightning and Thunder divisions will participate in an elimination tournament during the last weekend of the season, May 15-16.”
For more than 15 years, ZYEP has offered youth sports programs rooted in the belief that athletics can transform lives and strengthen community bonds in Zuni. Each league emphasizes safety, inclusion and positive relationships between youth and caring adult mentors.
“ZYEP is a blessing to our community,” one parent shared in a post-season survey. “It gives our children a chance to learn new activities, gain experience and meet new people.”
“This was by far the best season my child had,” another parent said of the 2025 league. “She had fun, looked forward to practice each week and was excited for game day. She can’t wait for next season.”
Each year, more than 500 youth participate ZYEP’s youth sports, including soccer, flag football, basketball and T-ball. Survey results show that youth feel more confident, more connected to their community and more supported through their relationships with coaches and teammates, while parents report improved physical activity, health and social development.
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.
