It really changed the importance soccer have for me. From "no interested at all" to "following the daily news and watching the matches every week". By following the daily news and watching the matches I think it's the main way to learn more about sports.
If op wants to get conversant with football, I would prefer him to be a fan to a particular club and support the the club with his full mind, body and soul. If for example, supporting Liverpool, a club that can play every kind of international and local league games, this can boast his confidence in knowing more of other league clubs while that can make him look out for more informations on the other side.
Also, if op should start betting on football especially on his favorite club then the chance of having more exposure to the world of soccer and how it works will eventually start.