We Are RIASA.

We Are The Leading International Soccer Academy.

RIASA was the original soccer academy to arrive in the UK, offering International students the chance of developing their game whilst earning a top class degree.

The story of RIASA soccer academy

The Director and co' founder of RIASA, Mark Ellis, played professional football in the UK for 10 years. During the summer months, when not playing professionally, Mark trained with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, both to keep fit and because he loved the US.

After his professional playing career came to a premature end due to injury, and with no formal education to fall back on, Mark did what many former professional players do and began coaching.

The story of RIASA soccer academy

Mark spent several summers coaching in Florida, Minnesota and Detroit and saw lots of talented young players who would often ask him how they could play in England or Europe. At that time there were lots of British companies taking young players from the UK to study and play in the US but no opportunities for Americans to study and play in England.

Obviously the concept needed considerable research. Once we discovered that it was possible to do an American degree in England through a US accredited UK University, we approached Richmond, The American International University in London, about adding a soccer program to their curriculum.

The story of RIASA soccer academy

We ran a trial programme initially and the rest, as they say, is history. In that first year RIASA had 23 students, mainly from the US. As time has moved on the programme has become much more diverse with student athletes from several continents around the world with a steady increase in cohort sizes.

The programme is growing in leaps and bounds. In 2021 we are proud to say we are in the 12th year of operation. We have seen so many talented student-athletes develop their game and earn a top class dual accredited US/UK degree.

Here at RIASA we are always pushing the boundaries of player development and constantly working hard to give you the best possible experience whilst on our programme.

We hit 10 years in 2020

We interviewd The Director and co' founder of RIASA, Mark Ellis and asked him to share the journey of the idea of RIASA to where it is today. Mark talks about the desire of US soccer players wanting to learn the english game and try to break into european leagues.

Mark also talks about his playing career, where it all started and how he developed on the field. You’ll learn that he's passionate about coaching and delivering excellence across the board when it comes to RIASA.

Find out information about our soccer programmes and how we can help you reach your maximum potential.

View Programmes

Take a look at our facilities, how we play and who the talented RIASA coaches are. Learn more about Leeds and RIASA.

Academy Life

Academy Director | Mark Ellis

Mark Ellis was the co-founder of RIASA

At the age of 15, Mark was spotted by Bradford City FC and within a very short time
was playing in both their U18 and reserve teams. At 18, Mark acquired a professional
contract and made his 1st team debut months later when just 19. Mark played at
Bradford City for 10 years, appearing in over 200 league games and scoring 35 goals.

Mark was involved in many of Bradford’s league cup games and holds the 3rd highest
number of appearances in the FA cup for them.

After a major injury at a young age, Mark moved to lower level club Halifax Town,
staying for 18 months and playing in over 40 1st team games. In 1988, Mark made a
move to South Africa where he ended his professional career playing for Hellenic FC in the PSL.

After retiring, Mark returned home and, whilst playing semi-pro for local teams
Guiseley and Harrogate Town, changed his focus to a career in coaching. As well as
working with academy and community football in the UK at Huddersfield Town,
Bradford City and Leeds United, during the summer months Mark also ran soccer camps in Orlando, Minnesota and Michigan each year.

Several years later, after working at Thomas Danby College in Leeds and with Bradford College, the idea of RIASA was realised and the rest, as they say, is history.

RIASA ANNOUNCES NEW LOCATIONS IN LEEDS

We Are RIASA.

We Are The Leading International Soccer Academy.

RIASA was the original soccer academy to arrive in the UK, offering International students the chance of developing their game whilst earning a top class degree.

The story of RIASA soccer academy

The story of RIASA soccer academy

The story of RIASA soccer academy

We hit 10 years in 2020

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