“I did not know anything about American football until my older son, Niklas, was in Loyola High School,” says Swedish-born City Council candidate Göran Eriksson.

Niklas did not play. But classmates were on the team, he was a fan and went to their games. Loyola games soon became an occasion for family outings.  As a proud papa, Mr. Eriksson had no choice but to learn about the structure of America’s favorite game because Niklas’s Loyola friends would go on to win the CIF championship.

How did Papa Eriksson figure out the sport?

With the help of other Loyola families whose sons were on the team.

These parents and siblings sat next to Göran and his wife Britta. Patiently and enthusiastically, they would explain to the Erikssons what was happening on the field.

As a proud papa, Mr. Eriksson had no choice to learn about the structure of America’s favorite game because Niklas’s team would go on to win the CIF championship.

How did Papa Eriksson figure out the sport?

With the help of other Loyola families whose sons were teammates of Niklas.

These parents and siblings sat next to Göran and his wife Britta. Patiently and enthusiastically, they would explain what was happening on the field.

“After a few games,” says one of the favorites in the Council race, “I began to get the idea.”

This story reminded Mr. Eriksson of when he was coaching AYSO soccer 15 years ago.

“You always have a first meeting where the parents come to meet the coach,” he said. “As soon as I opened my mouth, they heard my accent. ‘Oh, my God,’ I heard people say. ‘He knows soccer!’”

Long after both of his sons graduated high school and his paternal obligations ended, Mr. Eriksson finds himself watching certain football games on television –“college championships and the Super Bowl,” he says.

“Soccer still is my favorite team sport. And I like swimming, too. But I understand what is going on in a football game. I know when they do something right or wrong.”