Copa, Euros Provide Packed Soccer Summer

I played soccer nearly my entire life. When I was five I began playing youth soccer and I continued playing until I was a sophomore in high school. I played every position throughout the years, but settled in at left back during my high school playing days. I enjoyed the game back then, but only enjoyed playing it. I couldn't seem to gain any interest in watching the sport or following any of the leagues or teams across the world. I was the definition of a bandwagon fan: I would root hard for the U.S. National Teams when they played in the World Cup, but that was it.

Times certainly have changed now. In December 2013 I traveled to London and was able to attend an Arsenal-Tottenham FA Cup match at Emirates Stadium. Seeing the North London Derby in person was an absolute thrill and I was treated to perhaps the best sporting event I'll ever attend. The passion of the fans was amazing and the level of play was elite. It's hard to describe how incredible the atmosphere is, but it's something that every sports fan should attempt to witness.

Since then, I've fallen in love with the game. I simply can't get enough of it. I have taken a liking to Arsenal and the Premier League, but I'll watch any soccer that's on television. Others may find it boring for the lack of scoring, but I find it exciting as sides try and crack each other's defense. The talent that each player possesses is incredible (40-yard passes on the money that a teammate brings down right on to their foot) and they make the game seem so effortless when in reality it is very difficult.  I'm now that guy who wakes up at 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday to watch games and yesterday I found myself watching a friendly between Belgium and Finland in the middle of the afternoon when I could have been doing anything else in the world.

Now, as a fan of the game, this summer promises to be one of the biggest soccer summers ever. Tomorrow night the Copa America kicks off for the first time on U.S. soil and next week the Euro championships begin in France. For the first time ever, Lionel Messi will be coming to America to play in competitive matches and fans can watch 83 matches live between Copa and the Euros.

This is a huge summer for soccer in the U.S. It's the first Copa to be held outside of South America and matches will be played in 10 different cities across the country. The Americans were placed in a difficult group that includes Colombia, Costa Rica and Paraguay and if they advance through the group they will most likely meet Brazil. Certainly, if the game is going to continue to grow in this country than this is the summer for it to happen.

Whether you're a fan or not, take time to watch some games this summer. The world's greatest players will be on display and hosting the Copa America here in the United States is a huge step for this country when it comes to soccer. If you live in one of the host cities then make an effort to attend a game. There's something special about seeing the passion and enthusiasm that surrounds soccer. It is unrivaled by anything we have here in the States.

The Copa America will be held from June 3-26 and will air on FS1, Univision and Univision Deportes, while also being available on Fox Sports Go and Fox Soccer 2 Go. The Euro championships will be held in France from June 10 to July 10. That tournament will air on ESPN and ESPN2.