Women's Soccer in Rural Costa Rica

Soccer is quite clearly Costa Rica's national sport. Even the smallest of towns have a soccer field, yet only the largest cities have facilities for any other sport. Despite its popularity in the country as a whole, soccer has not traditionally been played by women. Women have been largely left out of the athletic spotlight in Costa Rica, but lately more and more young girls are starting to pick up soccer as a fun and healthy activity.

The Santa Fe Women's Group has several members who participate in local soccer games that include women and girls of all ages. These soccer games are not only quality exercise and entertainment for those women who play, but are also an inspiration for other women in the community to start exercising for their own enjoyment and personal well-being, defying custom in a culture that does not stress exercise for leisure.

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