Youth Soccer

[costaheel]

I have a 16 year old boy who plays soccer in the states and would really like to continue to play when in Costa Rica.Can anyone tell me how youth soccer is structured in the central valley, like if they have local teams or only school teams.
Thanks
G H

[Russ]

Your son will blend in fast with the locals!! Soccer is the main sport here and you will find pickup games anywhere you look, particularly on weekends in the parks.

Organized soccer is dominated by the professional clubs.  Many of the best players that are 15 and 16 already have contracts with the clubs and play in their minor and development leagues.  The clubs all have schools teaching young kids soccer and they sign up the best players as soon as they can. 

However, all of the public and private schools also have teams.  Not to mention neighborhood or community teams.  Another big thing now is Futbol 5.  That is indoor soccer, played at a fast pace with substitutions allowed.  There are facilities and leagues everywhere (kind of like bowling leagues in the US).

[costaheel]

Thanks for the info.