Fynn, a student in Denise Waters’ 4th grade class at Norman Rockwell Elementary, asks, “What sports do they do?”

Fynn, soccer is the biggest sport here in Turkey, as it is in much of the world. Soccer, however, is known as “football.” I think the only country that calls it “soccer” is the United States. Pretty much everyone else calls it “football.”

Kids here in Turkey play soccer the same way kids in the United States play baseball. They play it at recess. They play it in PE. They play it in the street before their moms call them in for dinner.

Going to a game here where grownups are playing soccer is a really exciting experience. The fans’ energy level is incredible — it’s like lightning is about to come straight out of their heads. I’ve never been to a sporting event in the United States that comes even close to this level of excitement. If you ever have the chance to go to a soccer game in Turkey, I highly recommend it!