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Article:
La Paz Bolivia Soccer Clubs by: Mudassir Akram La Paz is the de facto capital of Bolivia, being the center of administrative activity. The city is host to about a million people according to the 2001 census. La Paz has also been a hub of sports activity over the years. Various sports clubs are actively involved in promotion of their favorite pastime. But like all Bolivians, it is football which really fires the imagination of the population. La Paz is host to a number of club sides, some of which have been at the top of the Bolivian pyramid for a long time.La Paz also has its own regional league below the top tier from which sides can gain promotion to play against the top dogs if they can come through against the teams from the other 9 departments (into which Bolivian teams are tradiionally separated into) in the annual Copa Simon Bolivar, named after the founder of the modern nation. The regional league is further subdivided into 2nd, 3rd and 4th levels, providing a good depth to the whole structure. BOLIVAR: By far the most successful side in Bolivian history, they have claimed no less than 16 titles.Won the Apertura title last season. THE STRONGEST: Tradition personified, this club has been up there right from the start. With 9 National titles in addition to 14 La Paz championships, this side can rightly claim to be flag bearers of their nation. LA PAZ F.C.: The club side recently known as Atletico Gonzalez, recently gained promotion to the top flight and are keen to cement their place. A respectable mid-table position will have definitely pleased their fans. DEPORTIVO MUNICIPAL: Although they ply their trade in the regional league now, the fans still remember the glory days when Municipal could rightly lay claim to be the best side in the land, twice. CHACO PETROLERO: Relegation in 1998 hit the club hard and they have been trying to come to terms with their reduced status ever since. A sole title triumph though will always remain a beacon of hope. DEPORTIVO ZURACA: Zuraca have spent most of their existence in the lower reaches of the pyramid and although the club have lately come close enough, still a considerable effort is required to take them up the next level. DEPORTIVO FERROVIARIO:Another club with high aims and relative underachievement. Ferro have their work cut out to become a leading proponent of their city, yet alone the whole country. DEPORTIVO DON BOSCO: Bosco are upstarts who for the moment have more modest aims which seem to be solidfying their place in the second tier. Good things might come later. ASSOCIACION DE BALOMPIE BOLIVIANO: Have struggled perpetually with the tag of perennial minnows. With so many other teams from their area, they have a huge fight on their hands to climb up. MARISCAL BRAUN: Relegated in '2002
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