10 reasons why RIASA should be your #1 college-soccer choice
We know that choosing the next step in your soccer career can feel overwhelming, but we're here to make it simple.
At RIASA, we’ve combined elite soccer training with a world-class education to give you the ultimate platform to succeed both on and off the pitch. Whether your goal is to go pro, build a career in the sports industry, or simply take your game to the next level, RIASA offers an experience like no other.
Here are 10 reasons why we’re the perfect place to continue your college-soccer journey:
1. World-Class Coaching
At RIASA, our coaches are at the forefront of what we do on the pitch every single day, ensuring that our student-athletes receive the highest standard of coaching you can hope to find. Our academy staff consists of individuals who have either coached or played at a high level, bringing unmatched experience in the game that is rarely found on US programmes. All of our coaches are UEFA-licensed including some that have even competed and coached at a Premier League level.
Our priority is your development. During your time with RIASA, you’ll be given individual development plans that will enhance your game, prioritising the areas of your game that you should be focusing on. On top of this, you’ll train at least four times a week for two hours, receiving 150 sessions per year - amounting to more than 300 hours of on-pitch coaching per season.
2. Dual-Accredited US/UK Degree
Whilst developing your talent on the pitch, you’ll also be working towards a dual-accredited degree which is applicable in both the US and the UK. In Leeds, our International Sports Management degree gives you the tools to succeed in the sporting industry whether that’s as a player, coach, analyst, marketer - the list goes on!
In London, you’ll have 29 postgraduate and undergraduate degrees to choose from, providing the opportunity to pursue your passion outside of sport whilst still competing in the game you love. As the only college-soccer programme to provide a dual-accreditation, RIASA is the ultimate destination to further your career on either side of the Atlantic.
3. Competitive Match Experience
We truly believe that there is nowhere better than the ‘home of football’ to supercharge your development due to the unique competitive experience that you’ll be exposed to during your stay. Grassroots football is treated with the same passion and commitment as the professional game here in the UK, so playing in competitive matches on a weekly basis will create the ultimate environment for your on-pitch development.
As well as competing against well-coached local teams, you’ll have the chance to break into our showcase squads and play against professional academies across the country. In the past we’ve faced historic local academies like Leeds United, Huddersfield Town and Bolton Wanderers, allowing you to shine on the big stage and providing unmatched scouting opportunities.
4. European Showcase Tour
One of the highlights of your time with RIASA is always the annual European Showcase Tour, when we travel abroad to elite football destinations to train, compete and experience new cultures. You’ll be able to test your skills against international opposition whilst training at state-of-the-art facilities in some of Europe’s most beautiful locations.
In recent years, we’ve traveled to Finland, Slovakia and China, as well as getting the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play at Real Sociedad’s training ground in the stunning city of San Sebastian. On these trips, you’ll boost your development whilst creating memories to last a lifetime.
5. Premier League Standard Facilities
We pride ourselves on striving to match the environment of a Premier League club as best we can to give you the ultimate college-soccer experience, and at the heart of this is the facilities we train at every single day. In Leeds, Bodington Football Hub acts as our home for training and matches - the elite facility built in 2019 provides us with top class 4G pitches, brand new changing rooms and a professional-standard physiotherapy room.
During your time with us, you’ll also have access to nearby gym facilities to use at your leisure, fully equipped with exercise equipment, swimming pool, steam room and saunas to ensure you remain in tip-top condition when you’re not working hard on the pitch, and assisting your return to full fitness if you pick up an injury.
6. Pathways to Professional Football
The biggest benefit to competing in the UK is undoubtedly the exposure you will get to hundreds of professional clubs across the English football pyramid. This exposure may lead to scouting opportunities and trials, with our academy director and coaches each having connections within the professional game.
In the past, RIASA students have earned trials at professional clubs like Bradford City and Carlisle United, with multiple members of our women’s roster competing in prestigious competitions like the FA Cup for Barnsley and Bradford. In addition, students have spent their summer break competing in Europe, using our connections across the continent to play for clubs in Finland and elsewhere.
7. Building New Relationships
With a large roster of student-athletes, you’ll be surrounded by like-minded individuals at every step of your RIASA journey. By living amongst others who share your love for the sport, there’s endless opportunity to develop lifelong friendships and professional networks that will stay with you forever.
We are extremely proud of our worldwide heritage with students from all over the world, from the US, Europe, Africa, Asia and more. You’ll connect with other cultures and perspectives that you haven’t before, whilst all sharing the same passion: football.
8. Prime Locations: Leeds & London
Both of our programmes are located in football-mad cities - Leeds is famous for being a one-club city that bleeds football, where you’ll be able to experience one of the best atmospheres in the country at Elland Road, with other clubs in Manchester and Liverpool just a short train ride away. The city itself is a hub for students, accommodating more than five universities with thousands of people to connect with.
In London, you’ll be a short distance from a staggering 17 professional clubs within the city, giving you the ultimate exposure to the English game. Alongside this, you’ll be at the centre of one of the world’s most iconic cities, with endless opportunities to relax and explore during your time off. Both locations give you the best of both worlds - peaceful study environments and lively city life.
9. Proven Track Record of Success
We recently reached an important milestone as an academy, celebrating 15 years of transforming student-athletes into standout players and professionals. Over the years, we’ve seen former students excel in the world of football in various roles, both as a player and behind-the-scenes as a coach or in management positions.
Nahki Wells (right) was a part of the first ever RIASA roster back in 2010 and has gone on to play Premier League football for Burnley whilst also accumulating over 500 appearances in the EFL. Off the pitch, RIASA alumni have made names for themselves in various management roles, including the current owner of Sunderland Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, and current Head of Commercial at Millwall FC, James Voisey.
10. Comprehensive Support System
We understand that traveling across the world to attend university, meet new people and live independently for the first time can be a scary task. That’s why we’re here to help you at every step of the way. Every single member of our staff will be there to support you throughout your journey, and we are proud of the community that we have built here on campus.
From a coaching perspective, regular feedback sessions will ensure we get the best from you technically and athletically, enhancing your performance on the pitch. In terms of mental health support, our student affairs coordinators and academic advisors can provide the help you need, alongside dedicated peer leaders to turn to from a student perspective.