The real reason I went to Milan with my family a few weeks ago was to see my cousin play football. American football that is. I know what you’re thinking: jump back, American football in Milan? Why, yes. There is an American football league in Italy and my cousin is playing for the Milano Seamen (Side note: the mascot names are ridiculous throughout the league).

It rained the night of game, which is typical. Whenever we have seen my cousin play football, a monsoon tends to roll through town. We’re lucky like that. The game was in an old velodrome (a cycling stadium). Lucky for us, the spectator section was covered, unlucky for the players, the field was exposed to the elements.

Aside from the weather, however, the game was quite the fun affair. The crowd was rather sizable, and very invested in the game. It was a fun experience. My cousin was in almost every play on both offense and defense. There are about two or three American players on each team and they get a lot playing time. My cousin made some great plays, and got thoroughly beat up because the American basically have a target on their back. But they were the underdogs and they won. Yay! Here’s a little taste of the scene: