From the moment of birth, I was destined to grow up and enjoy the beautiful game called “Soccer.” I grew up in a typical Italian household. As a child I was only spoken to in Italian and grew up living in the same house as my grandmother. My parents were both born in Italia, making me a first generation Canadian. Unlike most kids my age, who are second generation Canadians, I had to learn everything from the start. I had to learn to follow the Canadian traditions for the generations to come, but also be able to keep my Italian heritage proud. Italians are known mostly for their variety of food and cooking, along with their sense of style, but if you ask any Italian to describe something about their heritage, there is no doubt that the beautiful game of “soccer” will be mentioned. My dad enjoys watching and playing soccer. Since it was up to him, he knew that any kids that he had would grow up to love soccer. I am the last child out of three and by the time I was about four years old, I already knew a lot about soccer. I was anxious to begin playing because I watched my older brother and sister play. The game always amazed me and I knew from the moment I laid my eyes on a soccer ball that it would be the sport that would play the biggest role in my life. I never really understood the game fully when I was younger because nobody really taught me the rules but once I began to play, I caught on and there was no looking back. Not only is soccer viewed as a religion by my family, it also takes over the television. The best time in my house occurs every two years. A major soccer tournament takes place. Whether it is the Euro Cup or the World Cup, we are all glued to the television. These events bring together all Italians for the highs and lows of the tournaments. If Italia wins a game, all Italians cheer together and if they are unfortunate and can not get the result the team needs, Italians mourn together. We, Italians, live and die together.
From the moment of birth, I was destined to grow up and enjoy the beautiful game called “Soccer.” I grew up in a typical Italian household. As a child I was only spoken to in Italian and grew up living in the same house as my grandmother. My parents were both born in Italia, making me a first generation Canadian. Unlike most kids my age, who are second generation Canadians, I had to learn everything from the start. I had to learn to follow the Canadian traditions for the generations to come, but also be able to keep my Italian heritage proud. Italians are known mostly for their variety of food and cooking, along with their sense of style, but if you ask any Italian to describe something about their heritage, there is no doubt that the beautiful game of “soccer” will be mentioned. My dad enjoys watching and playing soccer. Since it was up to him, he knew that any kids that he had would grow up to love soccer. I am the last child out of three and by the time I was about four years old, I already knew a lot about soccer. I was anxious to begin playing because I watched my older brother and sister play. The game always amazed me and I knew from the moment I laid my eyes on a soccer ball that it would be the sport that would play the biggest role in my life. I never really understood the game fully when I was younger because nobody really taught me the rules but once I began to play, I caught on and there was no looking back. Not only is soccer viewed as a religion by my family, it also takes over the television. The best time in my house occurs every two years. A major soccer tournament takes place. Whether it is the Euro Cup or the World Cup, we are all glued to the television. These events bring together all Italians for the highs and lows of the tournaments. If Italia wins a game, all Italians cheer together and if they are unfortunate and can not get the result the team needs, Italians mourn together. We, Italians, live and die together.