Costa Rica's new sport, "American Football"
Every time someone asks the question in Yahoo Answers, “Is [American] football played in Costa Rica?” the answers are usually somewhat, rude. “Look idiot, Soccer is Futbul you lame brain!” or “That’s a stupid American game!”
For years, any American style football played in Costa Rica was usually a bunch of college kids or ex-football players, playing touch or flag on some beach or soccer field, which always got strange stares from the local kids and adults … but that has all changed. In March, 2009, two teams went into hard-hitting battle with helmets, pads, cleats and numbered jerseys. Costa Rica Federation of American Football (FCFA) started its first North American football season on a Sunday afternoon – the Bulldogs vs. the Dragons FA of Cartago.
Back in October of 2008, six teams started training together with over 80% of it members Costa Ricans. And in March, hundreds of fans or probably just the curious, listened to the refereer’s whistles, the sounds of grunts and hits, yelling coaches, and cheering crowd that echoed on an 80 yard long soccer field. (American football field is 100 yards).
Okay – is there interest? Okay, so the field is 20 yards short. Is Costa Rica following Canada’s footsteps with Canadian Football that has helped launched the careers of some NFL players?
It has a long way to go – you don’t see to many Costa Rican’s that weigh 300 plus pounds trying out for defensive linemen. Unlike American kids, who grow up with football in their blood, most of the Tico players had to learn the intricacies of the game from scratch.
What’s this first and second down deal? You get how many point for a goal?- Excuse me, that’s called, touchdown, son! What do you mean, I can’t kick the ball while running? Offsides! What the hell is that, Coach?
“@#%&, there is a lot of rules,” one practicing player was quoted. However, the Ticos, whose ages range from 18 to 28 years old with average weight of 190lbs, have “gasps the concept of the game quickly” and have showed a “large amount of discipline,” one of the coaches was quoted.
Is Imperial Beer going to be the first sponsor?
Catching on, or is this just another “Arena Sport” that will soon died? I guess if Imperil Beer signs a million dollar contract to sponsor, we will assume it will be off to a good start; already two more “expansion teams” have already submitted the paperwork to FCFA and by late 2009, the league is anticipating another two teams, making the league 10 teams.
Sundays opening game ended up in a 19-6 win for the Dragons FA.
Humm – I can see the football pools aready starting! Yeah, Bodog and BetUS, got the odds and over/under for the next game(s)?
More on this see American Football is Alive in Costa Rica
For all ex-pats and anyone looking to play. The league is now in it's 4th season. And playing as hard as ever. The Santa Ana Bulldogs are in 1st with the San Jose Raptors right on thier tale. The league really needs help on the officiating side. The officials we have really do try but they just don't know the game. Players of course are always welcomed. Hell, I'm 42 yrs old and I'm still out thier. Sponsoships are slow but coming in. For instance, the San Jose Raptors are now officially sponsored by the City of San Jose backed by the Mayor, Johnny Araya. Cool new uniforms and awesome practice fields. Interested in officiating or playing, 1-877-512-7051 intl. or locally at, 8872-7050 or just shoot me an email…. intoboxing(at)yahoo.com
As a retiree and a former college football player with several years of coaching experience and a physical education background, my wife and I are thinking of retiring in Costa Rica.
I would be very interested in some type of position at any level of the American version of football that is gaining more and more interest in your country.
So i guess a guy like me (300lbs+) with experience on both sides of the line wouldnt have problems finding a team ?
Nice article, just one thing though…Canadian football was around long before the American version. My team, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was founded in its original incarnation in 1869. Apparently, Harvard ripped off the Canadian playing style after a friendly match against McGill from Montreal.
I am a North American who has lived here in Costa Rica for 11yrs. I played football in the U.S from 5th grade until 12th grade (7yrs). I would like to know if its possible for me to join a team here in Costa Rica?
Or can you tell me where I can sign-up to play?
Thanks
Chris
Hey John, (Comment 13)
You still interested in coaching for any team for the upcoming football season in Feb/2011.
Send your contact info to info(at)fefacr.org and CC me at oshimune(at)hotmail.com
I am a retired football coach (U.S.high schools, 2 Universities,& The Canadian F.B. league). Have not lost the passion for the game and would be very interested in coaching in Costa Rica. I have visited Costa Rica 3 times and love it. If there is any interest on your part, please contact me.
New team starting in Perez Zeledon, San Isidro de General.
Game today at noon in Heredia … Costa Rican Allstars Vs Panama Dragons!
Imperial beer won’t be the first sponsor because they cannot associate this product with any sport. However you can definitely enjoy a cold one while watching the games.
Looking for a very cool Imperial souvenir item?
to contact the the leage you can write to them at marketing@fcfacr.org or call 22892515
I need information about any teams in Heredia or Alajuela, I’m interested in playing
dragons football 225913311 88360261 call us John
please write to aafac(at) live.com
we need referees also.
Please write to aafac@live.com also we need referees!
Any info on how to contact the FCFA? I am an American football coach in the U.S. and would like any information about coaching in Costa Rica.
Thanks!
The league has really taken off. At some point I thought it was a temporary success, but hearing the final game announced on 104.3 confirmed it’s here to stay. The final is on June 12th and one of hte teams is the SHARKS (tiburones). Forgot who the other one is.
Does anyone know who I can contact from the Federation if I am interested in playing?
Top supermodel Gisele Bundchen and American football star Tom Brady are honeymooning in some Costa Rican beach resort. I wonder if they had tickets to one of the games?