A Ghanaian exchange student in Chicago, Odurose Acheampong, is taking on a sporting challenge that is unfamiliar to him, having joined his school’s American football team despite never having played or watched the sport before arriving in the United States.
Acheampong, a senior at Young High School, is spending the academic year in the United States as part of an exchange programme.
The experience has introduced him to several aspects of American culture, including a sport that is markedly different from the football, or soccer, he has played in Ghana.
Acheampong said he decided to try American football after his host family encouraged him to participate in a sport during his stay.
He is living with the family of Mason Abdul-Aleem, a sophomore at Young High School who plays running back and defensive back for the school’s team.
Mason’s father, Zaid Abdul-Aleem, who previously served as a football captain at Duke University, encouraged Acheampong to consider taking up a sport.
Rather than continue with soccer, which was already familiar to him, Acheampong chose American football as an opportunity to experience something completely new.
“I wanted to try something new,” he said, explaining that American football was a sport he had never encountered in the same way before.
His transition into the sport has been accompanied by an equally new experience of the American education system.
Acheampong explained that in Ghana, students generally remain in the same classroom while teachers move between classes. At Young High School, however, students move from one classroom to another depending on the subject.
He also said one of the biggest surprises since arriving in the United States has been the size of Chicago.
Despite the differences, Acheampong said his adjustment has been enjoyable, describing his coaches and teammates as welcoming and supportive.
His teammates have also helped him settle into his new environment, with his host family taking particular responsibility for introducing him to the city and his new school community.
For Acheampong, the experience has therefore extended beyond academics. It has also provided an opportunity to experience a different sporting culture while representing Ghana as an exchange student.
Young High School coach Dan Finger said Acheampong had made a strong impression during training, particularly because of his attitude and willingness to learn.
Standing about 6 feet tall and weighing approximately 350 pounds, Acheampong has the physical build suited to the sport. His coach also noted his mobility and enthusiasm in the weight room.
Acheampong has yet to feature in a competitive game as he continues to complete the required practices to meet eligibility standards set by the Illinois High School Association.
Coach Finger expects him to eventually contribute on both sides of the line, with offensive guard among the positions being considered. Acheampong is also learning the fundamentals of snapping the ball.
The development marks a notable departure from Acheampong’s sporting background in Ghana, where soccer has been his primary experience.
His decision to take up American football illustrates one of the less conventional experiences that can come with
studying abroad, as Ghanaian students encounter new academic, cultural and sporting environments.
For Acheampong, a sport he had never watched or played before his exchange programme has become another part of his experience in the United States.