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.
The current situation did not allow training from March until October. Not being able to touch the ball hurts the footballer’s heart. Therefore, they met with the National Union of Soccer Academies (representatives to advise appropriate behavior). In compliance with health protocols and regulations, “contactless football” is currently played. This means no matches are played, but exercises from a distance are possible. The ICODER (Costa Rican Institute of Sports and Recreation) plans a total return for March 2021.
Until March, AFU will continue training hard to return with new strength and win cups for Uvita. One of the last tournaments was the International Canal Cup in Panama—excellent memories for the academy. The U11 category beat all rivals and went home as champions. With joy, companionship, and the ara macao on their chests, they go for more titles!
Those who want to help AFU can do it HERE
AFU is very thankful for every donation
The training is open to boys and girls of all levels from 4-17 years old.
Monday: | Saturday: |
3 – 4.30 P.M. | 7.30 – 9 A.M. |
4.30 – 6 P.M. | 9 – 10.30 A.M. |
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