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Costa Rican Soccer Team.JPG

TEEN INTERCULTURAL SOCCER CAMP
JULY 1 - 10, 2023

A TEAM SOCCER CAMP UNLIKE ANY OTHER

March 30, 2022 - Costa Rica beats USA 2-0 in final round of

World Cup qualifying games.  Wonder why?

How does a country with a population of Wisconsin and the land mass of West Virginia beat the United States in the World Cup? Because this is a country where every town, no matter how small, has a soccer plaza. It is where every kid can play, no leagues, cleats or shin guards, uniforms, or competitive teams required. Where all you need is a ball, not even new or regulation size in order to, after school, see young kids and young-at-heart adults meet up for pick up games, rain or shine.

Where most weekends, locals gather to support regional teams in competitions that benefit their own communities. Soccer is woven into the culture here.  Come live a part of Costa Rican soccer culture and see for yourself.

A SUMMER SOCCER CAMP IN JULY LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

So you love soccer, right?  Well, so do many of the Tico youth in our region! And what better way to share culture and develop friendships across borders than to have a passion or hobby in common?

 

GoTico! will bring host a parent- or coach-chaperoned soccer team from outside Costa Rica to engage in five (5) days of soccer training with a Tico coach and instructor with more than 27 years of soccer experience alongside Tico peers with a passion for the sport.  In addition, you'll engage in regional tourism excursions before participating in an amicable weekend competition towards the end of the trip. By no means do you have to be headed towards a professional soccer career (although you could be:)… we invite any and all who simply have a true love for the sport. 

HOW IT WORKS & WHAT YOU'LL DO

As a soccer coach or parent that loves soccer, recruit a group of eight of your players to travel to Costa Rica's Northern Central Lowlands and integrate yourself in an amazing community while engaging is a multi-day soccer camp with a Tico coach of more than 27 years formal playing experience.  Go Tico! Costa Rica Co-directors Sara & Johel will pick you up at the airport and host you for the duration of your 10-day camp, helping you explore the region and connect with host community members through a mutual passion of sharing culture and playing soccer. Spanish is not a requirement for this program, but if you speak, you will have many chances to practice!

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Spend two hours most days in soccer training with local youth your team's age before engaging in an amicable weekend tournament and closing potluck with your teammates.  However, outside of soccer each day, be prepared to see some of the coolest sights the Rio Cuarto region of Costa Rica has to offer: 

 

  • Hike through a Biological Reserve, across the longest suspension bridge in the region

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  • Explore the Sarapiqui River by boat, spotting sloths, howler monkeys, iguanas, and maybe a caiman or two

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  • Kayak in an extinct volcanic crater, the deepest lake in Costa Rica

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  • Take a chocolate tour to learn about (and taste like crazy) this delicious fruit

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  • Hike to mountain waterfalls, taking in some of the most breathtaking view points of an entire mountain valley

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  •  Learn at Arenal National Park, located at the base of an incredible volcano

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  • Zipline through the treetops at a local thermal waters retreat

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  • Experiment with Tico cuisine in cooking classes with local residents

MEET YOUR TICO COACH:
DIEGO ARAGÓN CASTRO

Soccer has been my passion as long as I can remember. Many have seen me run after a ball since my first steps. I have experienced moments on the soccer fields that, although it may seem exaggerated, seem to stop time when I am playing. I am a father of 2 children, a husband, a high school teacher with 15 years experience, and soccer player for over 27 years.  Presently, I am preparing to be a federally-certified soccer coach.

 

I believe practicing any kind of sport is necessary for youth. Sports provide society with healthy entertainment, good values,  and better opportunities for those who practice it.  I love my community of Rio Cuarto and believe we need to give children and adolescents the opportunity to have spaces to practice sports, which is why my wife and I have established a soccer academy here. In addition to developing soccer skills, our Academy fosters human development skills.  My teacher training makes me believe that through looking at sports through a holistic lens, you can help youth to be better people.

Diego Aragon Castro.JPG
Soccer Academy Coordinators.JPG

​Are you a family member, community member or coach interested in bringing a group of players between the ages of 11 - 17 to Costa Rica (and you traveling free!)?  Here's what to do next:

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  1. Reach out to us at goticocostarica@gmail.com to set up a call to discuss the camp and answer any questions

  2. Recruit 7 - 9 youth soccer players, similar in age and between the ages of 11 - 17

  3. Coordinate orientation (we'll help!) to provide team all the information necessary to register and prepare

  4. Find flights (or have Go Tico! coordinate your flights for an additional fee)

  5. Arrive in Costa Rica on July 1, 2023 ready for a life-changing experience!

  6. In exchange for your time before and during the trip as an additional chaperone (in addition to Go Tico! directors in-country) and your commitment to the team, you travel free!

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Other notes:

  • Registration deadline: March 31, 2023

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  • Min.- Max. participants: 7-9, teams with players ages 11 - 17

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  • Trip fee: $2,600

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  • Fee includes:  Airport pick up and drop off, all meals and accommodations, soccer training, all entrance fees for activities & parks, in-country transportation​

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  • Fee does not include: Airline ticket to Costa Rica (SJO), travel insurance for trip duration, spending cash

INTERESTED IN BRINGING A TEAM TO COSTA RICA?
HERE'S HOW TO GET STARTED.

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