A SUMMER SOCCER CAMP IN COSTA RICA LIKE YOU'VE NEVER SEEN BEFORE!
INTERCULTURAL SOCCER CAMP
How does a country with a population of Wisconsin and the landmass 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 and your true love of the sport to join in a pick up game down at the plaza. Soccer is woven into the lives of Ticos here. Come live a part of Costa Rican soccer culture and see for yourself!
Vamos A Jugar!
GoTico! will host a parent- or coach-chaperoned soccer team from outside Costa Rica to engage in five (5) days of soccer training alongside Tico peers with a passion for the sport with a Tico coach and instructor with more than 27 years of soccer experience. 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.
So you love soccer, right? Well, so do many of the Tico youth in our region! What better way to share culture and develop friendships across borders than to have a passion or hobby in common?
Spend two hours most days in soccer training with local youth your team's age before engaging in an amicable weekend tournament and a closing potluck with your teammates.
HOW IT WORKS & WHAT YOU'LL DO
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!
In addition you will:
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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.
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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Reach out to us at goticocostarica@gmail.com so we can set up a time to talk
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Recruit 7 - 9 youth soccer players, similar in age and between the ages of 11 - 17
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Coordinate orientation (we'll help!) to provide your team all the information necessary to register and prepare
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Find flights (or have Go Tico! coordinate your flights for an additional fee)
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Arrive in Costa Rica on Day 1 of your time, ready for a life-changing experience!
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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, your trip is free!