Fil-Brit to test UFL waters

The only Filipino to make it to the final 28 of 5,000 hopefuls in the 16-18 age bracket invited to participate in last year’s Nike Chance football camp in Manchester is arriving in Manila today to check out playing opportunities in the UFL and maybe, with the Azkals.

Curt Dizon, 18, was born in England. His father Cris was brought to live in London as a boy and went to Hammersmith and West London College. His mother Joy works part-time at an osteopath and physio clinic on King’s Cross and Old Street. Curt learned the basics of the sport from his father and when he turned 12, began to play seriously. He was contracted to play for the Crystal Palace youth system like the Younghusbands then moved on to suit up in the sixth and seventh tier semi-pro leagues. Curt polished his skills with the Brunswick under-14 team based in Fulham under coach Scott Berry, the Crystal Palace under-16 squad and the Queens Sports Academy as a football scholar under coach David Reddington.

Curt’s breakthrough came when he was picked as a finalist at the Nike Chance football camp where he trained with coaches from Chelsea and Nottingham Forest. A 30-minute documentary of the camp is accessible on YouTube and Curt, wearing No. 75, is shown booting in a left-footed shot over the keeper’s arms into the upper left corner of the net. He is featured at least thrice in the video aired on UK TV. It’s easy to spot Curt as he’s 5-10.

Last season, Curt compiled four goals and six assists with the Chesham Reserves in the South Conference Division I league under Spanish coach Steve Benitez. He was later invited by Benitez, a Spaniard married to a Filipina, to try his luck in the Spanish league.

“Curt’s football is progressing nicely and there is a lot of interest from higher league teams,” said his father Cris. “He’s now on the verge of signing a contract with a club.” The Dizons are flying in for a vacation until April 14. During the trip, Curt will train with the UFL Division 2 team Union Internacional Manila on Jorge Muller’s invitation and possibly, with the Division 1 team Loyola Meralco Sparks.

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“Curt hopes to play football while we’re on this visit,” said Cris. “He’ll be able to keep his fitness up and play as Mr. Muller was kind enough to invite Curt to train with UIM. Mr. Muller wanted to sign up Curt to play officially for UIM but unfortunately, Curt is unable to at the moment due to his coming commitment with an English club. Curt will also possibly train with Loyola Meralco.”

Curt is scheduled to attend his first UIM practice at 7 p.m. this Tuesday at the BGM Turf Fort Bonifacio. “We’re hoping some of our friends and relatives can come out to watch Curt play,” said Cris. “We’re sure they won’t be disappointed in what they’ll see. Curt has worked hard to get to the level of where he is.”

Curt is taking a year off school to concentrate on pursuing a professional football career. His dream is to someday play with the Azkals. He was contacted last year by Pinoyfootball.com publisher David Pallasigue, who is based in Crystal Lake, Illinois, to send his bio for forwarding to the Azkal coaches. Curt was later told the Azkals weren’t interested in another striker.

“If our game in the Philippines is to progress and get stronger, shouldn’t they be looking for players with good ability and hungry to represent our country and giving them the chance to show what they can do before turning them down point blank without even seeing them play?” wondered Cris. “I strongly believe that no matter how many or how good the players you’ve got in whatever position on the field, the door should always be open for players with ability and talent as this could only be good for the team and for sure, it will give healthy competition for spots and push others to give their best at all times.”

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The only boy of four, Curt said playing with the Azkals would be an “awesome” experience. “My parents used to visit the Philippines a lot and I’d come along,” he said. “It would be an honor to play for the Philippines. I realize the international game is physical. I’m more technical than physical, quick on my feet with dribbling ability. When it’s necessary, I can be physical, too. I play left or right wing or attacking midfielder. I’m a big fan of the Younghusbands. If given the chance, I’d like to be able to contribute to what the Younghusbands are doing.”

Curt said being a professional football player was always his dream. “Obviously, my first priority is to be able to play in the English Premier League,” he said. “When I was a kid, my father gave me a basketball but instead of dribbling it with my hands, I dribbled it with my feet.”

Curt said he practices every single day without fail to improve his game. At Queens Sports Academy, he attended classes in sports science and English aside from playing football.