Soccer’s popularity has skyrocketed globally, becoming one of the most widespread sports for people to both play and watch. However, Brits have been aboard this bandwagon for far longer than Americans. If you’re traveling abroad in England and have the opportunity to catch either a Premier League, UEFA or minor league match, you will be experiencing a key component of British culture, and a slice of the local culture of the town or city you’re visiting. Before you hit the pitch, here are some things every American should know before they head to the stadium.

9 Tips Every American Should Know Before Heading to a Football Match

1. It’s Not Soccer, It’s Football

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In the United States, we call the sport “soccer,” which baffles most foreigners who call it “football.” Americans know the sport of “football” as one with pads, helmets, cheerleaders, and field goals. When you stop to think about it, the term “football” for “soccer” actually makes a lot more sense, since you are using your feet to control the ball. From here on out, we’ll call the sport by its proper British name.