In the United States, the sport of soccer can sometimes be a bit of an afterthought when compared to sports like football, basketball and baseball. In other nations like Italy, soccer is more than just a sport. It's the beautiful game, closer to a way of life than just something to do.

This year, Central High School boys' soccer got to experience that passion for the sport first hand. Francesco Alzate, an Italian exchange student, recently wrapped up playing the 2019 season with the Red Raiders. "I loved it. It's much different of course because it's not as popular as it is in Italy," Alzate said. "But I really liked it, I enjoyed the team."