Pura Vida Futsal - John Leisman in Costa Rica

By John Leisman, Captain of the U.S. Youth Futsal Boys U18 team 

I was captain of the U.S. Youth Futsal U18 Boys this past week in Costa Rica. What a week and what an experience it has been! Both individually, as a team, and as a whole group, we have grown so much in such a short period of time.

Upon arrival, we were immediately thrown into a nation and culture that was completely foreign to many of us. With the help of local liaisons, our group was able to adapt to this change and immerse ourselves in the wonderful things that Costa Rica had to offer, including zip-lining and whitewater rafting in the heart of the rainforest. Such experiences were crucial in fostering relationships and helping our respective teams become a single unit.

Action on the court picked up where it had left off in the previous trip to Canada. With only one day of training, the coaches were able to mold a group of talented individuals into a functioning team. All teams opened the first day with convincing wins and that success carried on throughout the rest of the week. At various times on this trip, each individual was forced to adapt and learn on the fly. It was this ability to accept a new role or face a new challenge with total commitment that allowed our teams to have so much success.

As for what the future holds, it isn't hard for me to speculate. A brand, an identity, a culture for futsal is starting to develop within our country. I had the chance to discuss the impact it is bound to have with many people during the trip and I came to the same conclusion every time. What the average American yearns to see in soccer is brought to life in futsal. The game combines the sharp ball movement and explosive power that is found in basketball, the dynamic runs and tactical edge that is used in American football, as well as the frequent transitions of hockey that happen in the blink of an eye, all with the ball at one's foot.

I have seen the quantity of hours that so many members of the U.S. Youth Futsal organization have put in. I believe their passion and dedication to the game of futsal has ignited a spark that will only grow within our country. With that in mind, I look forward to seeing what will happen over the next five years and more.

Pura Vida Futsal - Felicia Knox in Costa Rica

By Felicia Knox, Captain of the U.S. Youth Futsal Girls U14 team

Pura Vida! One week ago while packing my bags I was wondering how my upcoming trip would compare to the Toronto, Canada trip last year? With it being such an amazing trip, I questioned how could the Costa Rica trip get any better?

When we arrived at the hotel after the long day of traveling we had a meeting letting us know what was going to happen this week. Coach Tozer was going through the schedule and showed all the teams a motivational video. I think it got the players excited to play! After he went through all the rules and expectations he let us know who was going to be the captains for each team and age group. As coach Tozer was calling the names I didn't know what to expect. As he came to the u14 girls I heard my name called I couldn't have been more excited to have the privilege to be the captain once again for the u14 girls team.

Tuesday July 28th was excursion day. The day was filled with great activities. We were able to go to a fruit stand and taste all of the bizarre fruits that were being sold; and after that we went zip-lining and whitewater rafting! Not only was it a good way to start off the trip but it was fantastic for team bonding. At the end of the trip I really thought this is what tied the team together and really got us to be able to play as a team and get to know each other as much as we could. 


On Thursday July 30th was the first game day. I didn't know what to expect. I remembered from last year that competition was really good. I had no idea what was coming, all I told myself was I guess I will just have to wait and see. Before our game we had the opportunity to visit a daycare right near the gym we played in. There we got to play soccer with the little kids for a bit before heading to the market where we got souvenirs for ourselves, friends and family back home. After buying a t-shirt we arrived back at the hotel and got ready for the game. I could tell everyone was a little nervous but also ready to play. After warming up and listening to the two national anthems the whistle was blown to start the game. We had a special play to start the game it was called "mango" we ran it just like Coach Ty asked and we scored in the first 5 seconds on the game. it was the best feeling ever! 

On Thursday the 30th - Saturday the Aug 1st, most of the players spent their days at the futsal court. While playing it was always fun to hear "USA! USA! USA!" chanted in the background along with all the students for the school there watching you play. It felt great to play in a full gym! After every game we would always get a pictures with the other team and socialize as best we could. They were all so welcoming and friendly. It was also really fun to interact with all of the students as we walked around their campus going to and from the buses. 

Costa Rica was a trip that I will always remember and I loved how we got to experience their culture hands-on, which was so amazing! I am not only honored to have been selected to represent USA for this trip but I was also able to do it along side my brother Roman who played on the U16 boys team.  Not many siblings are this fortunate to share an experience like this together.  A huge thank you goes out the amazing people that made this trip happen.
GO USA!!!

Knox (left) with Annie Stauffer and Tiffany Bernot

Pura Vida Futsal - Ashley Johnson in Costa Rica

By Ashley Johnson, member of the U.S. Youth Futsal Girls U18 team

Today, with the U.S. Youth Futsal girls U18 team I got a chance to play against the Costa Rica Women's National Futsal Team. It was a really great experience. Even though we lost, it was a really good learning opportunity for myself and the other girls on our team. 

One girl specifically, named Emily Rollender, who has become a really great friend of mine, got the chance to be the first and only American ‘’woman” to score against another national team. It was also a very physical game. In the beginning we struggled, but as the game continued, we rose to the physical challenge and put up a good fight. After the game we came back to the hotel only to sit around for a couple hours. 

We finally took off for our game at 2:30. Everyone was focused and ready to play. We warmed up, walked out, and started to play the game. It was obvious in the beginning of the game that we were going to have control of the possession during the game. Even though we scored 12 goals, (I scored 4 of the 12 goals), we played one of the best games all week. We actually started to play more as a team because we had experience with each other now. 

After our game, we stayed and watched the U18 boys team play. I was cheering my heart out for them even though they lost. We returned to the hotel and had a goodbye meeting. All of the coaches stood up and each said some thank you’s not only to the players but the parents and people behind the scenes as well. When the meeting was done, everyone thanked the coaches, took pictures with each other, and said their own goodbyes to different people. I am going to miss all the people I have met on this trip but will remain in contact with all the friends I made. This trip has been so amazing and I cannot thank all the people

Johnson (left) with Emily Rollender

Pura Vida Futsal - Jordan Hindmarsh in Costa Rica

By Jordan Hindmarsh, member of the U.S. Youth Futsal Girls U16 team

Today I woke up at 7:45 to eat breakfast and have a team meeting. Coach Tozer talked about different defensive and offensive tactics, and different things he and other coaches, as well, noticed in the games yesterday that we could easily fix. 

After the meeting our bus left at 10:30 for our second game. We played well and started building the three in the back just like the coaches expected. After our game, we stayed and watch all the rest of the games. The u18 boys' game was my favorite because it was so intense. In between games, probably about 20 different boys and girls asked me to take pictures with them. There was actually a group of 10 guys who asked, and when I agreed, all the other guys nearby joined in the photo.

Hindmarsh (right) with Brooke Shatney

Pura Vida Futsal - Alec Bakkeby in Costa Rica

By Alec Bakkeby, Captain of the U.S. Youth Futsal Boys U16 team

Today was a day to remember to say the least. It began when we played the Santa Ana Futsal Club and beat them 14-2. It is always a great experience to represent your country alongside some of the best players in it. However, this game was just the beginning of my eventful day.  

After I came out of the locker room, I was surprised to find a few Costa Rican girls waiting to take a picture with me. This was probably the first time a "fan" that I didn't know has given me some sort of special attention. As I walked outside to get a drink at the snack stand a group of little kids were talking to me in Spanish and then invited me and some of my teammates to play in their pick up game. 

Later that night after watching some games Coach Keith Tozer asked me if I would like to play in the 18s game. It was a great experience playing with the older kids and a very intense game. We ended up pulling off a close 4-2 win.

Bakkeby (lower right) with fans from Colegio Santa Ana

Pura Vida Futsal - Alex Mendez in Costa Rica

By Alex Mendez, Assistant Captain of the U.S. Youth Futsal Boys U18 team

Hello my name is Alex Mendez I'm 17 years old and I am the assistant captain of the Boys U18 team. I'm from Grand Rapids, Michigan where I play futsal with ABK Futsal Academy. 

I will be talking about the game day #1 in this blog. To start the schedule we got up at 8 am to eat breakfast. After that we went back to the room to relax and listen to some music and it was time to start focusing up for the first national game. It finally was time to depart to the futsal facility at 11:30 am. We warmed up and the intensity went up. Throughout the game I had four goals with the help of my teammates. We worked very hard to get the result and the game ended 8-2 in our favor. 

After the match was finished it was time to head back to the hotel to cool down in the pool with the rest of the team. After that we waited until 5 pm to eat dinner. As soon as dinner was finished we headed back to the facility to go watch the girls get their wins.

Mendez scored four in his opening match

Pura Vida Futsal - Tziarra King in Costa Rica

By Tziarra King, Captain of the U.S. Youth Futsal Girls U18 team

Our fourth day in Costa Rica, and first match day, was certainly very action packed!

It all began with an early rise and the breakfast of champions to prepare us for our first match later in the day. After an early 8 am departure we arrived at the CTP Lindora stadium where we briefly watched the U14 boys play and score a quick goal as we chanted "USA USA USA." We then left and went directly across the street to a childcare center where we met the most adorable children and had a blast. Seeing their faces light up with excitement as we took them outside to play soccer in the yard has definitely been the highlight of my trip thus far. After a few hugs and high fives good bye we made our way back to the bus to start our next adventure. 

On the bus on our way to the market near the national museum we sang along on to songs like "Party in the USA" and "Hollaback Girl." When we arrived at the market it was a very memorable experience. There were tons of vendors selling their beautifully crafted jewelry and other Costa Rican souvenirs; it was a tourist's paradise. 

Fast forwarding a few hours, meals, and naps later into the day, it was almost game time and the nerves were starting to act up. We knew nothing about our opponent and as captain the pressure was really on to preform well. We got into the locker room and geared up as we talked about strategy and our goals for the game. Although we had a bumpy start to the game, being down 4-1 in the first half, we came together as a team and corrected our flaws to win the game 9-5. It was a great way to kick off the next few days of challenging games ahead of us. It was awesome seeing our team work out our issues on the court and start to build a rhythm. 

Overall day four of Costa Rica was definitely one to remember. I can't wait to see what the rest of the trip has to offer. Go USA! 

King (right) with Lisette and Elysa Virella