Opportunities - the benefits of riasa
Our annual European Showcase Tour offers RIASA student-athletes the chance to train, compete, and immerse themselves in new cultures while showcasing their talents on an international stage. From matches against top-level opposition to exploring unique corners of the world, this tour is an unforgettable experience designed to elevate your game.
The European
Showcase Tour
The European Showcase Tour is a highlight of the RIASA experience, providing student-athletes with the opportunity to train, compete, and explore football cultures in some of the most iconic and picturesque destinations. In 2024, our students traveled to Finland, competing against local teams and gaining insights into European football at the stunning Eerikkila facility in the snowy Finnish wilderness. In 2023, players had the incredible opportunity to train at Real Sociedad’s world-class facilities in San Sebastián, Spain, while previous tours have taken us to Slovakia and even as far as China. These tours not only offer invaluable match experience but also allow players to broaden their horizons, building lifelong memories and connections.
Finland 2024
Click the images below to see the highlights from Finland here
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 more than just opportunities to test skills - they’re 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.
See all the clubs we’ve played below:
Pathways into the professional game
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.