Latin America is home to many foods, cultures, and activities.  One of those activities is enjoyed above all others, this sport is…well you probably guessed it is Futbol (soccer in American).  Where ever you go in Latin American you are sure to find a game of futbol, whether it being played in a park, in the streets, on the beach, or in a stadium.  Futbol is the national sport of nearly every latin american country (excluding panama, nicaragua, and venezuela).  Here in Costa Rica futbol is the sport that everyone plays, it is also a great way to spill some sweat and blood.

San Jose is known for raining nearly every day during the rainy season, so most Costa Ricans head indoors for a game after work.  For only a couple dollars per person you can rent an indoor field for an hour.  The indoor field is much smaller than outdoor (probably the size of a basketball court), which makes the game faster, and better to play if you only have 5 on 5, or any amount of players less than a full team.  The goals are also much smaller than a normal field to match the quickness of the game.  The AstroTurf is unique on the fields, not only is there a soft rubberlike grass there are also small dark colored rubber pellets which make the game play more lifelike.  Also unlike the indoor sports facilities I am used to, these indoor complexes have side and goal lines instead of walls. Without walls the game play is closer to that of real futbol and not a completely new game that is composed of half futbol half hockey. 

If you want an official (a guy half drunk guy with a whistle) you can pay one for just 1000c ($2).  This is definitely not necessary but if you’re playing competitively you might want one to avoid too many disputes.

Playing futbol is a great way to meet local Ticos, and if you have any skill you might get some respect, or even better, looks from the Tica girls watching the game.

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Filed under: Sports on August 2nd, 2007