The AFUSA u12 Elite boys had the experience of a lifetime recently when their players and family members spent one week in Costa Rica with their coach, Keylor Reyes. The boys had an opportunity to play soccer against three youth academy teams from Costa Rica and experience the life and culture of the country as well.
Their first game was against Belen and during the first two minutes of the game, AFUSA lost a player due to an injury and the final score was 5-3 loss. One of the most exciting opportunities for the boys was playing in the Alejadro Morera Soto Soccer Stadium where they attended a professional match the night before between Alajuela and Orion.
They boys played LDA and although, they lost 4-2, the experience will be one they will remember forever.
Finally, in the third game against Uruguay de Coronado, the boys held their own and beat them 2-1 with a free kick score during the last few minutes of the game. Overall, the boys played very well against the Costa Rica teams and can be proud of the outcome.
Not only did the boys get to participate in international soccer events, they learned about the culture of Costa Rica as well. The trip included a visit to the Poas Volcano, one of the largest and active volcanos in the world; they experienced swimming in natural hot springs at the Arenal Volcano; zip lined in a tropical forest; tasted cuisine native to the country; visited Jaco Beach; and saw the beautiful country-side when traveling by bus to the various sites.
Although, Coach Keylor is from Costa Rica, he experienced zip lining for the first time due to some encouragement from his players to participate. The boys also visited a local elementary school and met with children from Costa Rica and donated soccer shoes, clothing, etc.
This was a very special trip for the players and will be a treasured memory for years to come. Special thanks to Coach Keylor Reyes who arranged this great international experience and for making this opportunity available to AFUSA players.
