Every morning before the school bell rings at Costa Verde International School (CVIS) in Sayulita, something happens that tells you everything you need to know about the kids there: they show up early — not because they have to, but because they want to play soccer.

Until recently, that meant improvising. Backpacks for goalposts. Cones and markers scratched into the dirt. Informal, makeshift, and full of heart.

This June, Sayulita Life made a $5,000 donation to CVIS to change that — funding a pair of proper soccer goals for the school’s 160 students. We sat down with the school to talk about what this gift means, how it will be used, and what it’s like to watch kids light up over something as simple — and as powerful — as a real goal.

About Costa Verde International School

CVIS serves 160 students across preschool, elementary, and middle school. Its mission is to cultivate broad-thinking, multicultural learners who are stewards of their local community and the global environment — through bilingual education with a focus on academics, arts, and ecology.

Physical education is woven into that mission intentionally. “We believe that, as part of our students’ holistic development, physical activity plays an essential role,” the school shared with us.

Like many independent schools, CVIS faces ongoing challenges around space and infrastructure — particularly when it comes to maintaining and expanding the kinds of facilities that support physical activity and extracurricular programs.

Before the Goals

Before the donation, soccer at CVIS was alive but improvised. Students and teachers made it work — cones, backpacks, and creativity filled the gap — but the lack of real equipment made organized play harder, especially with larger groups.

“Soccer was more informal and limited,” the school explained. “Students often improvised with cones, backpacks, or markers to create goal areas, which made the game less structured and sometimes challenging to organize.”

How the Goals Will Be Used

The short answer? Every chance they get.

The goals will be used during PE class, recess, after-school activities — and yes, those early-morning pickup games before the day officially starts. All 160 students are expected to benefit.

CVIS already runs an after-school soccer program for both boys and girls. The new goals give that program the equipment it deserves.

What Soccer Means Here

Soccer isn’t just a sport at CVIS — it’s part of the school’s daily rhythm. Students arrive early to play. They stay after school to play. It connects kids across grade levels, languages, and backgrounds in exactly the kind of multicultural, community-centered way the school’s mission describes.

“Soccer plays a vital role in our students’ daily lives,” the school told us. “Many students arrive before the school day even begins just to play.”

The Impact: More Than Just Equipment

We asked the school how having proper equipment changes things for students. Their answer was about far more than fitness.

“Physically, it allows students to engage in more structured, active, and skill-building play, promoting fitness, coordination, and teamwork. Emotionally, it creates a sense of excitement, pride, and inclusion. Students feel valued and motivated when they have access to quality resources, which encourages confidence, collaboration, and joy in being active.”

For the school as a whole, the donation carries symbolic weight too. “This donation represents much more than equipment — it reflects trust, support, and a shared belief in our mission.”

Looking Ahead

CVIS has bigger dreams on the horizon. The school hopes to continue expanding sports facilities and recreational equipment, enhance access to learning materials, and create more multipurpose spaces for arts, community events, and student collaboration.

One goal at a time — literally and figuratively.

How You Can Support CVIS

If this story moved you, here’s how to get involved:

Donate to their scholarship program: colegiocostaverde.com/ways-to-give

Volunteer your time and skills: The school actively welcomes volunteers who can contribute expertise and energy to their community.

Donate supplies: School and sports supplies are always welcome.

Stay connected:

• Website: www.colegiocostaverde.com
• Instagram: @colegiocostaverde_sayulita
• Facebook: Colegio Internacional Costa Verde AC

Sayulita Life’s monthly $5,000 community donation supports local schools, nonprofits, and initiatives that make Sayulita a better place to live and visit. To learn more about how we give back, visit our Community page.