AFU – Academy of Football Uvita
Author: Jan Stahl Benavent
It all started two and a half years ago when Omar created a soccer academy for youth in Uvita. Previously, Junior Brenes had already organized a youth team with whom he trained and played friendly matches. Omar and Jason met with Junior and the children’s parents. They presented their ideas and visions: an academy in which, apart from sporting fun, players are trained to their maximum potential on and off the court, including educational components such as respect and discipline, values that serve, and being off the field.
Today, the academy gathers 70 children between 4 and 15 years old. Alongside Omar as the head coach are Jason, Christine, Carly, Adriano, Devon, and Johnny, a very international squad of coaches and caregivers (Costa Rica, United States, Canada, Italy, and Argentina), who support him where they can. The door is always open for volunteers from all over the world. I arrived from Germany, not knowing what was in store for me, and they welcomed me with open arms. PURA VIDA lives in the academy and on the beach, mountains, and coexistence. I have not only found coaches but also made friends on this side of the world. It is a highly recommended experience.
Good people who do a good job. Even though so many children are interested, it is still a struggle for resources. The academy carries a lot of weight on its shoulders to sustain the project in the long term and would highly appreciate a sponsor. There won’t be 70 professional footballers, but AFU does everything to ensure a professional environment and allow everyone to realize their dreams. All that effort and work is not always valued as it should be.
Costa Rica Free Magazine 102 Whales Season
With our usual enthusiasm, we proudly present digital edition #102 of Ballena Tales Free Magazine.
Whale and Dolphin Festival at Marino Ballena National Park
Every year, the waters of the Costa Rican Pacific come alive with the Whale and Dolphin Festival, held near Marino Ballena National Park in Uvita
Capturing The Essence of Culture and Community on The Coast
Capturing The Essence of Culture and Community on The Coast Whether on land, undersea, or in the air, photographer Brad Dean will likely be found in full focus behind the lens of his camera. Having […]
Green and Clean Home Maintenance Inside and Out
Home maintenance requires a lot of time, and in today’s fast-paced world, the demands of professional responsibilities and family life leave little room for it.
Fractional Plasma: A Modern Approach to Skin Renewal
Fractional plasma rejuvenation uses ionized gas or plasma to deliver controlled thermal energy to the skin
Restoring Nature with GrandiOSA
Grandiosa Costa Rica has a clear goal: to plant 4.000 trees per year. In the Osa region, such reforestation efforts occur regularly, with an average of about 100 trees planted per event
