The Thomas More College men’s and women’s soccer teams have returned from a two-week trip to Costa Rica where they had a mission — or two.
Students volunteered at The Monkey Farm, a monkey rescue and permaculture farm in Ocotol (Photos provided)
In addition to playing soccer, the teams donated soccer equipment to underprivileged youth and held on-field clinics for young players.
Sixty percent of the TMC student-athletes had never travelled outside of the United States before.
Men’s head coach Eric Busener said many students came home with a deeper appreciation for how other cultures function, as well as gratitude for the opportunities they have at home in the United States.
The teams visited three cities in Costa Rica: the capital, San Jose; LaFortuna, a city deep in the Central American rainforest; and Ocotal, a Costa Rican coastal city.
Playing, coaching soccer in La Fortuna
The NCAA allows college programs to go on an international trip every three years. This trip has become a tradition for the Saints; it’s the fourth trip for the men’s and women’s soccer teams since 2008.
In addition to the social service component of their journey, the Saints also spent time together as teams.
They participated in rafting and snorkeling excursions and attended a professional soccer game.
Both teams will play their first regular-season games Sept. 1.
At a community center in LaFortuna
