ZUNI, N.M. (June 5, 2026) — This summer, the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project will once again welcome some of the community’s youngest athletes to Ho’n A:wan Park as it launches the 4th Annual T-Ball League for children ages 4 and 5. Registration for the league officially opens June 15, with the season running from July 8 through July 31.
ZYEP has space for 40 players, who will be divided into four teams and supported by staff, community coaches and family members throughout the season. Weekly practices will take place on Wednesdays and games on Fridays at 9-10 a.m.
Made possible with support from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the New Mexico Department of Health’s Healthy Kids Healthy Communities program, the league introduces young children to organized sports in a setting designed specifically for their age group. For many participants, T-ball marks the first time they’ve worn a team shirt, learned the basics of a sport, taken the field with teammates and heard family members cheering from the sidelines.
“T-ball is often a child’s first experience being part of a team,” said Tyler Sice, ZYEP’s physical activity coordinator. “We want them to learn the fundamentals of the game, but we also want them to have a good time, build confidence and make happy memories with their teammates and coaches.”
Playing T-ball at Ho’n A:wan Park also gives children opportunities to practice good sportsmanship while learning the value of daily movement, good nutrition and hydration. ZYEP will provide participants with the equipment they need, as well as a hat and water bottle.
Coach registration begins June 8, and the youth project is seeking eight community coaches to help guide players through the season. Coaches work closely with ZYEP staff to create a positive environment where young athletes can learn and grow at their own pace.
According to Tahlia Natachu-Eriacho, ZYEP’s executive director, the T-ball league has become a favorite among families over the past three summers. Parents, caregivers and extended family regularly attend practices and games, creating an atmosphere filled with encouragement, laughter and community pride. Family involvement, she said, is one of the program’s greatest strengths.
“At this age, the experience is really about the whole family,” she explained. “Parents, grandparents, siblings and other relatives come out to support the players. The kids feel that support, and it helps them feel safe as they try new things.”
This year, ZYEP will make game days at the park even more memorable by adding themed events such as Tropical Day. Players and family members will be encouraged to dress up, show their team spirit and join in the fun.
“One of our goals this year is to make game days even more exciting,” Sice said. “The themed days give families another way to participate, and the kids will carry those memories with them long after the season is over.”
Natachu-Eriacho agreed, noting that the league also reflects ZYEP’s commitment to creating opportunities for children of all ages to learn new things, build healthy habits and enjoy spending time together.
“Lifelong interests emerge early in childhood,” she said. “Whether our children continue with sports, join Summer Camp, get involved with food sovereignty or participate in our arts programming down the road, we want their early experiences to be welcoming and fun.”
Through its Youth Sport initiative, ZYEP serves more than 500 youth annually through its basketball, soccer, flag football and T-ball leagues. While each league focuses on physical activity and skill development, the programs also create spaces where young people can build confidence, strengthen friendships and connect with mentors and role models.
Families interested in registering a player or community members interested in serving as coaches are encouraged to contact ZYEP at (505) 782-8000 or visit the youth project’s social media pages for registration information and updates.
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.
