RICHMOND INTERNATIONAL

ACADEMIC & SOCCER ACADEMY

THE ORIGINAL UK SOCCER ACADEMY IN ENGLAND

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A 3D map of the United Kingdom with the Union Jack flag pattern. The map highlights three locations: Riyadh, RIASA, and London, with flags and labels on each.

EASY PATHWAYS INTO EUROPEAN FOOTBALL

THE HOME OF FOOTBALL

DUAL UK/US ACCREDITED DEGREE - THE ONLY UNIVERSITY IN THE WORLD THAT OFFERS THIS

THE ORIGINAL COLLEGE-SOCCER PROGRAMME

PREPARING THE NEXT GENERATION

Over the past 15 years, RIASA has grown into a globally recognised programme, combining top-tier football development with academic excellence. We are incredibly proud of the progress we've made, from expanding our squads to providing countless opportunities for our student-athletes to thrive both on and off the pitch. Many of our graduates have gone on to achieve remarkable success, including the likes of Nahki Wells, Christian Eissele and Jonathan Lewis, showcasing the strength of our unique dual-accredited programme. As we have reached this massive milestone for the academy, we remain committed to shaping the next generation of players and leaders in the footballing world.

A multi-story stone building with multiple windows, a black front door, and a small porch. There's a streetlamp in front and a well-kept lawn with plants and a tree in the foreground.
Modern office complex with glass buildings, a waterway, and green landscaping. People walk along the boardwalk, some sitting by the water, under a partially shaded structure.

All of your academic & athletic timetable will be scheduled in such a way that will allow our students to fully commit to both aspects of the programme, as well as having down time for rest and relaxation. Please note that timings for training and academics will differ between both locations.

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Two young male soccer players in red jackets shaking hands with an older man in a blue jacket with the slogan "ONE TEAM ONE DREAM" on the back, outdoors on a cloudy day.
A man in a black coat and black beanie speaking to two female soccer players on a field, with a group of people behind a green fence in the background.

UEFA-LICENSED COACHING STAFF

All of our coaches are UEFA-licensed and have either played or coached at the very highest level, at Premier League clubs and their academies - you’ll be learning from the best.

We’re proud to have provided student-athletes with an elite coaching programme from well-established names in the world of football since the very beginning. All of our coaches are UEFA-certified, from UEFA B all the way up to the UEFA Pro License, the highest coaching certificate in world football. Over the years, we’ve had coaches with playing and managing experience in the Premier League, FA Cup, various other European leagues as well as internationally in the World Cup - it doesn’t get any bigger than that!

Our current crop of coaching staff played or coached in over 2000 professional matches between them across 8 different countries - you’ll be getting insight from the best of the best whether you’re a striker, midfielder, defender or goalkeeper. We also offer an elite level strength and conditioning programme, ensuring that our players remain at peak performance and manage their workload just like a professional would.

You can find out more about our excellent coaching staff below:

MEET THE TEAM
Women playing soccer on a grass field, with one woman in a blue jersey and another in a maroon jersey chasing the ball, while two other women are in the background.
Soccer players on the field, some celebrating, others disappointed, after a goal; a goalkeeper in green kneels on the ground, players in red and blue jerseys are visible.
Female soccer players sit in a huddle on the field during a game, listening to the coach.
Soccer players in training on a field, with one player kicking a ball, all in red and white uniforms, overcast sky.
Two young women taking a selfie on a soccer field, wearing red sports jerseys. One has her tongue sticking out, and both are smiling.
A group of female soccer players in red uniforms walking and talking on a path enclosed by green fences, some of them smiling, with a partially visible court or field in the background.
A group of soccer players wearing red jerseys huddling together on a field, smiling and engaging in team celebration or cheer.
A female soccer player wearing a gray goalkeeper jersey, black shorts, and gloves, smiling on a soccer field during practice or game, with goals and other players in the background.
Group of four young soccer players in red jerseys celebrating on a soccer field.
A young man in a blue soccer jersey holding a large trophy inside a sports facility
A group of people participating in a Christmas-themed soccer game on an outdoor field, with some wearing holiday sweaters and accessories.
A young man smiling, wearing a red sports jacket with a badge and carrying a backpack, standing against a clear blue sky.
Two women smiling in soccer uniforms on a rainy outdoor soccer field, with other players in the background.
A young soccer player celebrating on the field after scoring a goal, sitting on the grass with arms wide open and smiling.
Soccer game with female players on a field, focusing on player wearing jersey number 15 about to kick the ball.
Soccer players huddled together in a team huddle on a field during daytime, smiling and wearing sportswear, with goalposts and a fence in the background.
Women playing soccer on a field during daytime, with some women in red and green uniforms and others in yellow and blue uniforms, and a soccer goal in the background.
Two young male athletes wearing red sports jackets and white shorts, walking on a football field. One holds a water bottle, and both are smiling. The background features a blue building and a cloudy sky.
A female soccer player wearing a red jacket with a team logo, jogging on a field.
A soccer player wearing a yellow training vest over a red shirt, white shorts, and gray shoes with red and white socks, standing on a soccer field and dribbling a ball during practice.
Three soccer players on a field, two in light blue uniforms and one in a red uniform, competing for control of the ball.
Two soccer players in blue jerseys and a player in a green and white striped jersey compete for the ball during a match on a grassy field, with other players and a goal in the background.

SHOWCASE FIXTURES

Showcase games are an integral part of the RIASA programme, offering our players the chance to compete against elite academy teams and experience football at its highest levels. In 2024 alone, we faced academy teams from Huddersfield Town, Fleetwood Town, and Bolton Wanderers at their state-of-the-art training grounds, providing invaluable exposure to professional environments. These matches are a chance to get noticed by scouts and coaches from top clubs. Over the years, we’ve played against renowned teams like Leeds United, Sunderland, Ajax, and many more.

Our annual European Showcase Tour provides additional opportunities to face academy opposition in a variety of countries, giving you the chance to test yourself in alternate environments and playing styles. We’ve recently faced teams in Malta, Finland, Slovakia and Spain, as well as welcoming a handful of international teams to the UK - at RIASA, you’ll be sure to experience a wide range of challenges, preparing you for a career in football no matter where your journey takes you.

OPPORTUNITIES IN EUROPE

At RIASA, our players gain invaluable opportunities to showcase their talent and advance their football careers. Our women’s team has seen players sign for Barnsley and Bradford City’s first teams, competing in the prestigious FA Cup against clubs from the first and second tiers of women’s football. On the men’s side, players have secured trials with professional teams like Bradford City and Carlisle United, with some even pursuing routes into European football.

Recently, RIASA athletes have taken their skills overseas, playing in Finland during the summer, highlighting the global opportunities available through our programme. Our annual Showcase Tour opens up doors into the European game as you meet professionals from all around the continent.

PROVIDING A WORLD CLASS OPPOrTUNITY

FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

Three soccer players from Arsenal team celebrating on the field, wearing red and white uniforms, inside a stadium with a crowd in the background.

Nakhi Wells was part of our first ever roster over 15 years ago, and it was obvious that he had the talent to go far in the sport. After a successful trial at Bradford City, Nakhi went on to score more than 50 goals for the club before making it all the way to the Premier League with Burnley.

Current League One Striker for Luton Town

Former Premier League footballer. Over 150 appearances in the English EFL.

26 National caps for Bermuda

SUCCESS STORIES: nAKHI wELLS

MORE Success stories

TEAMS WE HAVE PLAYED RECENTLY

Bradford City

Chesterfield fc

Everton

Ilkley Town

Mansfield Town

Northampton Town

Steven Gerrard academy

Real Sociedad

Sheffield United

Sheffield Wednesday

Bolton Wanderes

Bradford City Chesterfield fc Everton Ilkley Town Mansfield Town Northampton Town Steven Gerrard academy Real Sociedad Sheffield United Sheffield Wednesday Bolton Wanderes

Brisbane Roar AFC football club crest featuring a rooster on top, with the initials BCA and the words The Bantams on a ribbon below.
Chestefield FC crest with a blue shield, a stylized red and blue sailing ship, and the club's initials in blue intertwined letters.
Everton Football Club badge featuring a tower, laurel wreaths, the team name, and the Latin motto 'Nil Satis Nisi Optimum'.
Huddersfield Town football club crest featuring a shield design with a lion, a castle tower, and three stars, with blue and white colors, the club's name, and the year 1908.
Logo of Dollar Bay-Tamarack City Area Schools with mountains, sun, and fields, and the phrase 'Palma non sine pulvere'
Logo with a white deer head on yellow and blue background, and the text 'MFC' below the deer.
Northampton Town Football Club crest featuring a castle, a lion and a dragon, with a shield in the center displaying a football boot, and a banner with the club's name at the bottom.
A black background with a red outlined circle containing a silhouette of a person with arms outstretched, wearing a jersey with the number 8, and the text 'STEVEN GERRARD' in bold red, followed by 'Academy' in smaller red letters.
Logo of Real Sociedad football club featuring a golden football, a crown on top, a black and blue flag, and blue and white ribbon with the letter 'S'.
Sheriff's badge with black, white, red, and yellow colors, featuring clasped swords, a white rose, and text 'Sheffield United F.C. 1889'
Emblem featuring an owl perched on a branch with a flower below, the emblem has supportive Latin text and the phrase 'Consilio et Animis' at the bottom.
The logo of a university featuring a blue circular emblem with stylized letters, a red ribbon with a white flower, and the year 1877.

Any questions? Speak to our team