American Seeks Help to Understand the Most Popular Sport in the World

I have thoroughly enjoyed American sports for over 20 years. It all started with my first sports love—baseball. To me there was nothing like the tradition, passion, and competitiveness of baseball. Couple that with Little League Baseball being so popular here in the States and I was hooked from the first strike.

Shortly after becoming hooked on baseball, I fell completely in love with American Football. There was (and still is) nothing like college football Saturdays in the Southern United States.

Whether it's my team, the Tennessee Vols, or our most hated rivals, the Florida Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide, the tradition and passion once again lured me in.

There was yet another sport that would catch my interest. Basketball soon become a favorite sport as well.

I know these three sports. I have played, lived, breathed, and died with each of these sports. I know the strategies, formations, plays, and overall objectives of each of these sports.

It wasn't until high school, however, that I began to develop an appreciation for the most popular sport in the world—soccer, as we American's call it.

One of my best friends happened to be from Nigeria and he lived and breathed soccer as much as I did the big three American sports. I learned the basics about this great sport from him.

I went to every match that our high school team played. Before my junior year my school would cancel soccer and would thoroughly crush my friend's dream of playing high school soccer.

I lost touch with the game at that point. Of course, I have always loved the World Cup, but that was about the extent of my exposure to real football.

When the MLS began I never really caught on to the league. To this day I really dont care for it. I can watch it because I enjoy watching soccer, but it's still really hard for me to get into.

But recently I discovered the absolute beauty and greatness of Premier League soccer. It just doesn't get any better than watching these awesome teams go at it, but I have a problem. I do not understand how the league is structured.

Please forgive my ignorance over the next few sentences, but I understand the FIFA is the governing body of international football. My confusion comes with all the different leagues in FIFA.

I've heard of Serie A, UEFA, EPL, and La Liga, but I do not understand how these leagues are connected, if at all. I want to get into World Football, but I have to know as much as possible about a sport before I can truly enjoy it.

I know the gameplay. I understand the how's and why's of everything that goes on between the lines, but I am reaching out to this awesome b/r soccer community to help me understand things like relegation, championships, standings, and leagues.

Will anyone help this American understand the most popular sport in the world? Please?