Riccardo Barbarossa is a fan of football. At least that’s what they call it in most parts of the world, including his home country of Italy. In America, it’s soccer.
But now that he’s adapted to the American way of life, Riccardo has been able to enjoy both kinds of football.
Read Riccardo’s first interview here.
Read about the international student program here.
Read international student Veronica Agostini’s story here.
Read international student Gaia Figus’ story here.
Read international student Henrik Sieh’s story here.
He’s now coaching a children’s soccer league for the city recreation department, instructing first- and second-graders.
“I think it will be good. A change in perspective,” he said.
And, in December, he attended a Kansas City Chiefs football game. The Chiefs lost to the Chargers that day, and the stands were not very full because of coronavirus restrictions, but Riccardo enjoyed such a fully American sports experience.
“We were in a good spot. It was very cool,” he said. “It’s different from Italian stadiums. The chants are different. It is a different way to see sports. There it is more friendly.”
Since he’s been in Iola, Riccardo ran cross country in the fall and is playing tennis and running track this spring.
Over the winter, he played basketball. That was a great learning experience, he said. He had played basketball a few times in Italy, but being on a high school team was much different.
“I basically started from zero, so I think I improved a lot,” he said.
“It was useful for me as a soccer player. Like the movement on the court, it helped me understand different ways to move in space. And more communication because you’re there with five other players.”
