Lizard shoots and scores!His goal is to go to Europe to fulfill his desire
IMPERIAL, Calif. – (KYMA, KECY) A dream has come true for Imperial High School varsity soccer captain Paulo Lizardo.
Lizard is taking his talents to the next level at the University of Central Lancashire in England.
“I've always wanted to play for England, ever since I was a kid, so to get the chance to go there and go to school to play there is just incredible.” Lizard says.
He said his traveling team competed in a tournament in Las Vegas two years ago, when the Lizards caught England's attention.
Lizard then had a meeting with his coach and the rest was history.
He says when he visited the campus and the team, he knew it was a given.
“Because I believe that England is like a hub for football. In Europe, football is the biggest sport, if not the biggest sport,” Lizardo explains. “So I went over there and it was the summer of 2023. I was there for two weeks in July and it was just some really breathtaking, honestly mind-blowing days, training sessions, It was the game and just life over there, the weather, everything.'' “
He has been playing soccer for about 15 years and says he is ready to take on the next challenge.
Lizard is majoring in football studies and hopes to advance to the professional level.
He added that this would not have been possible without the sacrifices of his family.
“They have supported me 100 percent. They make sacrifices and fly me to San Diego three times a week for weekend games. They are my biggest supporters. ” says Lizard.
He also thanked his coaches at Imperial for helping him develop as a player and a person.
“I might still make mistakes during the game. You know that happens. But he's there and at the same time picking me up and helping me as a player and as an individual. “I'm here for you,” the Lizard continued.
He will leave for a soccer camp in England at the end of June.
Congratulations and good luck, Paulo.
