ZUNI, N.M. (Aug. 5, 2026) — Registration is now open for the Zuni Youth Enrichment Project’s Soccer and Flag Football Leagues, which begin Aug. 24 and run through Oct. 11. The annual fall leagues give local youth opportunities to stay physically active, develop athletic skills, practice teamwork and build lasting relationships with teammates and community coaches.
Together, the seven-week leagues can accommodate approximately 120 participants. Registration closes Friday, Aug. 7; families can register at Ho’n A:wan Park or contact Physical Activity Coordinator Tyler Sice at (505) 782-8000 or tsice@zyep.org for more information.
Local soccer practices for youth ages 4 to 7 will be held twice each week, with Sunday morning games at Ho’n A:wan Park. Additional scheduling details will be shared with families during registration.
The Flag Football League offers three divisions for children ages 6 to 12: Rain League for ages 6 and 7; Lightning League for ages 8 to 10; and Thunder League for ages 11 and 12. Teams will practice on Mondays and Wednesdays, with families able to choose either a 5-6 p.m. or 6-7 p.m. practice time. ZYEP will host games on Sunday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon.
Older youth ages 8 to 14 also have an opportunity to compete through the Gallup Soccer League, which starts the week of Aug. 10. Practices are held twice each week at Ho’n A:wan Park, but players must have their own transportation to the weekend games in Gallup, New Mexico.
The Ho’n A:wan Park-based leagues have become a fall tradition for many Zuni families. End-of-season surveys consistently show that families value not only the physical activity, but also the confidence, friendships and sense of belonging their children develop throughout the season.
“This season has been great,” one parent wrote. “My son had so much fun and looked forward to games and practices. It has been a positive experience.”
Another parent described the weekly games as a tradition that brought everyone together, saying they “made Sunday a family fun day.”
Coaches say the experience is rewarding for them as well. While they teach new skills and organize practices, many say they also value friendships with fellow coaches, relationships with the young players and the opportunity to serve as positive role models.
“The season brought a lot of inspiration… and a lot of joy and cheerfulness,” one coach shared.
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, ZYEP’s Soccer and Flag Football Leagues introduce Zuni youth to organized sports in a setting designed specifically for their age group. For some participants, joining a ZYEP youth sports league marks the first time they’ve worn a team shirt, worked together with teammates or heard family members cheering from the sidelines.
Through its Youth Sport initiative, ZYEP serves more than 500 youth annually through its basketball, soccer, flag football and T-ball leagues. While the leagues emphasize physical activity and skill development, they also create spaces where young people can build confidence, strengthen friendships and connect with mentors and other positive 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.
