Meet The RIASA Coaching Team.

Experienced Coaches Who Are Passionate About Player Development.

UEFA A/B & Pro Licensed coaches who are at the top of their game.

Highly qualified coaches 

The RIASA soccer programme has proven to develop players tactically and athletically. We want you to reach your maximum potential and that’s what will happen if you join our academy.

To be the best, we know we need great coaches who have experienced football at all levels. You’ll find that the RIASA coaches have recognisable coaching badges across all aspects of the game. 

Connections that help

The RIASA coaches have over 100+ years experience within the football industry. They’ve grown up playing football, gone on to coach football and throughout their careers have made established connections along the way.

We utilise these connections as part of the RIASA soccer programme to help broaden your experience as you embark on your journey into the football world.

The Coaching Team

As well as the regular coaches that you will work with throughout your training sessions, we also invite guest coaches on to the programme to expand and enhance your skillset. Meet the highly experienced coaching team at RIASA. Find out about their qualifications and football background. 

Gareth Prendergast
Head Coach

UEFA A & B Qualifications

Master of Research in Sport & Exercise Science 

FA Youth Qualifications

Talent Development Qualifications

Worked in football education for over 12 years

Hyde United Head of Academy for over 7 years

Hyde United under 17s, under 18s, and under 21s 

Hyde United 1st team coach

Martin Hunter
Football Strategy & Mentoring Officer

UEFA A & Pro Licence

PFA & LMA Certificate in Applied Management

Technical Director at Southampton FC for 8+ years

England National coach U19 & U20

Norwich City & Watford FC first team coach

Senior FA Tutor

FA Academy Manager’s Licence


Jamie McCombe
Academy Coach

Ex pro footballer with 400+ senior appearances

Play for Huddersfield Town, Doncaster Rovers, Bristol City & Lincoln City

Played over 31,000 professional minutes across EFL

Won promotion 3 times

Scored 35 goals

Defender specific training

Player/coach role at Lincoln City

Interim manager at Sunderland AFC

Michal Korbel
Academy Goalkeeper Coach

10 years coaching experience

Coached goalkeepers in Czech first division

Worked in football education previously

UEFA B coaching license

Qualifications from the Scottish FA, Welsh FA and United Soccer league

Jack Salvatore
Academy Coach

UEFA B 

Master in MSc Sport & Exercise psychology

International coach at Liverpool FC

Coached in men's and women's football at all levels

Head coach of Keele University 


RIASA Coaching highlights

RIASA training sessions are intense and rewarding. Our coaches always push the boundaries of player development to get the best out of your game.

75+ nationalities

We are International.

Join an international football programme. No matter where you’re from in the world, if you meet the academic requirements and you want to improve your soccer, you can apply to join our ever growing roster of diverse students. 

Start Your Journey.

Embark on a rewarding and life changing soccer programme. 

  • Earn a dual accredited US/UK Degree
  • Play a 9-Month Soccer Season
  • Reach Your Potential in the UK