WHY SOCCER CAMP AT CPI?

Soccer is the “Numero UNO” (#1) sport in Costa Rica. In every Costa Rican town, from the smallest of villages to the suburbs of larger cities, you will find a soccer field where the “Ticos” (Costa Ricans) are playing soccer daily; in fact, it is an essential part of the “Tico” culture. Boys and girls, children, teenagers and adults all enjoy participating in formal matches, scrimmages or just enjoy hanging on the sidelines to watch – it’s easy to see that there is a sincere love of the game throughout the entire country.

But soccer is not loved by Costa Ricans alone! Knowing its importance in Europe and growing popularity over recent years in North America, CPI was the first immersion school in Costa Rica to incorporate 4 dynamic elements into one study abroad opportunity – soccer training/games, culture, adventure and Spanish.  Former participants agree, it’s a WIN-WIN combination.   

 

WHO ARE THE CPI SOCCER CAMP PARTICIPANTS?

Camp participants are male and female teenagers from 13 to 17 years old who enjoy playing soccer -- they need not be professionals, just fans of the sport.

Participants can register with friends or individually, regardless campers meet teens from different states and countries while participating. Teens may travel alone. Or they may travel with their parents or relatives who are welcome to register for our Standard Spanish Program and excursions, or take advantage of our accommodations during the duration of the CPI Soccer Camp.

 

WHAT DO I LEARN DURING SOCCER CAMP?

CPI Soccer Camp includes a combination of training in full field soccer and fútbol sala (indoor), with each training session lasting 2 hours. Campers will learn or improve step by step basic rules and techniques, such as: dribbling, passing, tackling, heading, goalkeeping, aerial control, kicking with the outside/inside of the foot, etc.. All exercises are directed toward and planned specifically for teenagers. In addition you will learn how to play the most popular system of games: 4-4-2, 3-5-2, etc.

Each session initiates with participants being taught how to warm up and stretch, emphasizing the importance of utilizing a good warm up technique to prevent injuries. Beyond learning and practicing new tactics, campers learn about fair play, team play and good sportsmanship responsibilities on and off the field. Trainings are scheduled at different soccer fields to provide experiences in different soccer environments.

 

WHO IS THE COACH?

The CPI Soccer Camp is led by Carlos Granados, currently the soccer coach and “fútbol sala” professor for the primary, middle and high schools at the bilingual American International School, Costa Rica.

Coach Granados has led recreational and competitive soccer teams in the minor leagues for more than 5 years and is a certified professional soccer instructor through the Federación de Fútbol de Costa Rica, for soccer (UNAFUT) and fútbol sala (LIFUTSAL).

 

WHAT DO I LEARN IN SPANISH CLASS?

CPI has successfully achieved the perfect combination -- soccer training with Spanish classes (and some adventure in the mix). Spanish classes, for all levels, are conducted 4 hours each week day afternoon, for a total of 40 hours of Spanish. Students take a placement test on the first day of class, permitting the Academic Coordinator to organize mini groups with a 5 student maximum per class. The objective of the class is to learn Spanish in general but there is also a directed focus on soccer terms – vocabulary, verbs used in the trainings (example: to kick “patear”), and soccer videos. Our Spanish professors have many years of experience teaching Spanish as second language; they are committed that you learn Spanish but also that you enjoy your time in class!

 

WHICH EXCURSIONS ARE INCLUDED?

The bonus of the CPI Soccer Camp is that the 2 week itinerary also includes excursions to the most popular tourist destinations of Costa Rica.  There are a total of FOUR ½ day excursions and one weekend tour. Adventure tours, such as the canopy and waterfall rappelling are included, as are opportunities to experience the nature for which Costa Rica is renown – hiking in a private reserve at the base of Arenal Volcano and soaking in the natural hot springs, along with a visit to Poás Volcano to admire an amazing active crater.  

Of course, when you are learning a foreign language culture, too, is important; as a result, we have included a city tour where are able to walk along the streets with a professional guide to get a feel for the “local color” of the capital city of San Jose and to learn a bit about Costa Rican history at the National Museum.

 

WHAT ABOUT ACCOMODATION AND MEALS?

Campers stay with local host families, those families with an interest in soccer.  The host family provides meals, laundry service and private bedroom. During the guided week-end excursion to Arenal, all meals are included in the trip. Living with a Costa Rican family is the best way to practice the Spanish learned in class and provides the opportunity to see first-hand how the Costa Ricans enjoy your favorite sport!

 

We invite you to check out more specifics on the CPI SOCCER CAMP!

 

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