Copa Indigena
This project's parent organization is Seprojoven
It operates in Costa Rica
It uses Football (Soccer)
Entered the Best New Project
More about Copa Indigena
Every indigenous community in Costa Rica has a soccer field which serves as a social center. The interactions that take place between players and the families that gather around the field to watch and talk are integral to the development of the communities. Committees may meet in community centers, but the real decisions are made around soccer fields.
Families may group together, but relationships are formed on Sundays while games are being played. In the case of the Copa Indigena, bringing players together from various indigenous cultures increases interest. Everyone shows up to meet the visiting teams, bring them water, and learn about their lives. Soccer is just the hook that brings people together. The goal is to get people to connect with each other.