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Soccer
Play top quality international matches and experience the passion that Costa Ricans have for soccer. Your team can also watch a professional game and be a part of the cheering fans in the stadium.
 Did you know?
- Soccer is the most popular sport in Costa Rica.
- Costa Rica played in the World Cup in 1990, 2002 and 2006 and won second place in the Gold Cup 2002.
- In many Costa Rican families, your professional team alliance is even more important than your political party affiliation.
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Youth Soccer Development _______________________________________________
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Kids often begin playing soccer for their elementary school teams. The best high school teams qualify to play in the "National Games."
The best youth players often play for their high school team as well as for a club team. These club teams are run by professional teams, which manage youth teams at every age level starting at age 7.
The U15, U17 and U20 players managed by the professional leagues compete to represent Costa Rica on the national teams.
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Professional Teams ____________________________________________________
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Soccer is the most popular sport in Costa Rica. The following 12 professional teams compete year round in two seasons: a summer season that goes from February to June, and the winter season that goes from July to December.
- Saprissa
- Alajuela
- Heredia
- Liberia
- Brujas
- San Ramón
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- Carmelita
- San Carlos
- Cartago
- Puntarenas
- Guerreros del Sur
- UCR
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National Teams ________________________________________________________
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Costa Rica competes in the CONCACAF (Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football).
CONCACAF Competitions
- Gold Cup - Senior CONCACAF tournament.
- Women's Gold Cup - Senior women's tournament.
- Men's Pre-Olympic Tournament
- Women's Pre-Olympic Tournament
- U-20 Championship
- Women's U-20 Championship
- U-17 Championship
CONCACAF Member Nations
North America Zone (NAFU)
Central American Zone (UNCAF)
Caribbean Zone (CFU)
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National Soccer Federation _______________________________________________
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The National Soccer Federation and League were founded in 1921. Costa Rica officially entered the FIFA in 1927. The federation consists of 6 governing bodies:
First Division (UNAFUT)
Second Division League (LIFUSE)
Amateur Division (ANAFA)
Women’s Soccer Division (ADELIFFE)
Inside Soccer Division (AFUSCO)
Beach Soccer Division (ADEFUPLA)
Here’s a preview of the $83 million national soccer stadium to hold 35,000 fans being built and donated by China.
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