A Lifelong Love Affair


             Starting middle school is a rough time for all. Life around you is rapidly changing, all while you are learning more about yourself at the same time. Some make lifelong friends; some discover defining traits about themselves. For Fernando Orozco, he discovered his personal passion, soccer.
            During his 6th grade year, Fernando’s friend Noey encouraged him to join the soccer team of his private Catholic school as a manager. “6th graders weren’t allowed to play, only help out with practices and games”, Fernando noted at the start of his journey. He loved the atmosphere, the competition, the camaraderie. 7th grade could not come any faster.
            Finding his place on the pitch was not difficult for Fernando. Center Mid is a position that one can play in soccer. The core of the team, a role that requires responsibility and athleticism, often the player that runs the most over the course of a 90-minute game. This position fit Fernando perfectly. He played center mid on both his school and club team.
            The soccer field is a place where lifelong memories can be made, and Fernando has created plenty over his playing career. Early on he remembers comparing some of his teammates to soccer greats, such as Neymar Jr., a Brazilian superstar. But his most distinct memory is when his school team at Sumner Academy won the state cup.
            Soccer is the most popular sport in the world. It also has some of the most passionate fans out of any sport. Soon after starting his playing career, Fernando also discovered the soccer community, and it only deepened his love for the game.
            Soccer comes in various forms: kid leagues, school leagues, recreational leagues, and professional leagues. These exist in countries across the world. Soccer fans may follow multiple different leagues and teams across these leagues. Fernando’s favorite team is FC Barcelona, a professional team from Spain. While watching YouTube highlights of Lionel Messi, one of the most prolific players of the 21st century and a player for FC Barcelona, Fernando found himself watching more clips and eventually full games of the club.
            While Fernando’s favorite team may originate abroad, he still has a passion for local soccer. He attends Sporting KC games frequently and makes sure to pay attention to his high school's soccer team even though his time with them is done.
            He also loves supporting international soccer as well, both the men’s national teams of the United States and Mexico. This last summer he went to watch parties for the World Cup and has dreams for the future, “I hope to go to the next World Cup in 2022 in Qatar, see some of my favorite teams live.”
            Fandom does extend beyond attending games or watching them on TV. Traditions of soccer fans run deep. Whether that be shouting your favorite team's chants, wearing your lucky charm to avoid superstition, or following your ritualistic pre-game meal. Fernando, like many fans, loves his apparel. “On days my team is playing you will always find me wearing my jersey.”
            Personal inspiration is one area that some people may doubt can come from a hobby, but Fernando begs to differ. “I look up to players like Thierry Henry. Not only as players but as businessmen and great people. Cristiano Ronaldo I admire for his pure athleticism.” Fernando hopes to follow the role moles he has found in soccer to great success, both personal and professional.
            As Fernando exited high school and began his journey in college his playing career has taken a temporary hiatus. “I plan to join a recreational league soon, otherwise I mostly just play pickup games with my friends. Its become a pastime for me.” His love for soccer remains and is continuing to grow. He sees his relationship with soccer as a lifelong commitment, one that he is happy to stay dedicated to for many years to come. 
Fernando is the furthest left in the black jacket

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