One of the first thing a tourist may notice when visiting Costa Rica is that every town, no matter how small, usually has two things: A Catholic Church and a soccer field.

I had read once that a former Costa Rican president, Ricardo Jimenez, who governed between 1910 and 1914, passed legislation to build towns with Catholic churches, soccer fields and schools at the center of communities. In school yards, in the streets, in parks and in town squares, pretty much every open space is occupied by soccer games.

Near my home in the town of Matapalo, located some 5 minutes outside Playa Grande, it is no different. The center of life for most Costa Ricans is the sport of soccer. For many, no other sport exists. It seems to be that the mood of Costa Rican’s change with the success of the National soccer teams.

I remember several years ago during a visit to Costa Rica during Easter that the entire country practically shut down during the debut of Costa Rica in the world cup. Many companies gave their employees the day off to enjoy watching the game on television. That just shows the dedication of the people to its beloved sport and the national team.

Just when I think I am completely fluent in Spanish, I learn a new word from our friend Jimmy who lives in the small town of Matapalo: Mejengas, an informal art of playing soccer. He explains to me that a mejengas is a pick-up scrimmage. As I pass the small town of Matapalo everyday on my way to the office, I always notice the array of those mejengas going on.

Those that participate in these so-called scrimmages are often times only taking up a part of the soccer field. Children of all ages, men and woman, play on the local fields in the heart of town. Last week I noticed two different mejengas going on at once. It wasn’t until last week that I realized that there was not only a men’s soccer team representing Matapalo, but also a women’s team as well.

Another interesting fact: There are now tours that bring those brave enough to play soccer in Costa Rica to compete (for fun) against local teams not only in the San Jose area, but many smaller, rural towns across the country. I hear the locals really enjoy the friendly competition with the extranjeros (foreigners).

Just recently, there was a women’s high school travel team from the US that came to Matapalo two weeks ago to play the Women’s team under the lights. It was the big talk of the town. Could those gringas really play? Are they for real?

Indeed they were and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves whether they were watching or competing. Who would have thought that the soccer rage was now drawing tourists from abroad!?

The following night, after the women’s teams competed, the men’s team took to the field. Dressed in uniform, the mood changed to serious when the game officially began.

The locals poured in on foot, on bikes and in cars, to support the local team who was playing another small town team some ten minutes away. This, was my first time as a spectator to a ‘local’ game. I decided to bring my newborn son, who just turned 3 months, to experience his first Tico Soccer game. I figured it’s never to early to start getting my son involved in a national pastime!

We had a great time. It isn’t only about the game that is going on the field. Rather, it’s a way to understand the passion that Ticos have for the sport of Soccer, or futbol, as its known. Soccer is a way of life in this small, democratic country. It’s also a great way to meet your ‘neighbors’ who you may otherwise not. So, don’t be afraid to be a spectator or player in the next soccer game going on in the pueblo nearest you. Pura Vida!

[custom_script adID=97]

[custom_script adID=186]

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.