RIASA Men's Undergraduate Soccer Programme.
UK College Soccer Academy Based in Leeds*.
Earn a dual-accredited US/UK degree in International Sports Management and play a 9-month soccer season in the UK.
UK Soccer. US Education.
Live, Play & Study in the United Kingdom.
Embark on a Life Changing Journey
Join the world’s only soccer academy offering a dual accredited US/UK degree in International Sports Management.
Play for 9 months
Give yourself the best chance of succeeding by joining the RIASA Undergraduate Programme, where you will train and compete for 9 months of the calendar year.
The soccer programme we offer is perfect for aspiring soccer players or individuals who want to break into the sporting industry.
Professional-standard soccer academy
The RIASA soccer undergraduate programme allows student-athletes to experience a professional academy set-up.
As soon as you join our academy you'll be thrown in to intense training sessions and competitive league fixtures that will help you grow on and off the field.
Our coaches are at the top of their game with over 100+ years of coaching experience which enables you to develop each time you step on to the pitch.
Develop yourself culturally
Join a truly international soccer programme which allows you to experience new cultures surrounded by like minded, soccer obsessed, students who share the same passion as you: football.
You'll get to travel the UK as we compete against other academies together with opportunities to play in Europe.
12 Years.
Over 100+ Graduates.
75+ Nationalities.
15+ Countries Visited.
50+ Showcase Games.
WE ARE RIASA.
Give Yourself The Best Chance
Our soccer programme, combined with the top class degree qualification you will earn from Richmond, The American University in London, will help you embark on a successful and rewarding career within the sporting industry.
One programme, two degrees
Join the world’s only soccer programme that can offer you a highly recognisable dual accredited US/UK degree in International Sports Management.
Once graduated, you’ll be unbeatable. You’ll have studied one programme and gained two degrees, which will open the door to more international opportunities.
UEFA A & Pro Licensed Coaches
The RIASA football programme offers you the chance to learn from experienced coaches who are at the top of their game. The RIASA coaching team combined, has over 100+ years experience within the football industry.
Our coaches are dedicated and highly qualified on and off the field, that’s why you'll receive more than just footballing advice when you join our programme here in Leeds.
RIASA SOCCER ACADEMY
The Original Soccer Programme.
RIASA was the first programme in the UK offering student-athletes the chance of playing high intensity football whilst studying for a top-class degree.
Soccer Programme
Join an internationally renowned soccer academy that will help develop you on and off the field. Embark on a life changing journey and experience what it feels like to live, play and compete in a soccer obsessed environment.
Official kit supplier
Online store provider
Digital coaching platform
Develop athletically & theoretically
At RIASA you'll gain a greater understanding of game theory, which you will then be apply in training and match settings.
With guidance from our highly experienced UEFA A & Pro Licensed coaches, you'll be on track for achieving your goals with us here in Leeds.
Professional facilities & equipment
Did we mention we use FIFA standard footballs? That RIASA coaches are at the top of their game? We train and play in facilities that inspire?
You'll thrive with other like minded student-athletes who share the same common goal of wanting to succeed.
We’re not the average soccer academy, we work harder for you to make sure you leave our programme having had the best possible chance to showcase your abilities. Committing to RIASA could be one of the best decisions you'll ever make, it’s intense, it’s hard work but it’s also rewarding if you show the correct attitude and application. We've designed the programme to give you the best possible experience, including the following:
Earn your FA Level 1 Coaching badge
The FA Level 1 in Coaching Football, leading to the achievement of the 1st4sport Level 1 Award in Coaching Football qualification, is the first stepping-stone on the core coaching pathway. It will provide you with an introduction to coaching the game and working with players from under 7 to open age.
The RIASA soccer calendar runs for 9 months of the year, unlike other soccer programmes that limit your training and playing chances. When you join, you will have the chance to develop athletically and theoretically with a mixture of classroom based sessions alongside the training pitch and match days.
student living in leeds
Leeds is Vibrant & Youthful.
Leeds has a lot to offer students. It's a bustling city that has a thriving independent food scene, a vibrant creative community and a renowned retail destination. Watch the full tour below and fall in love with Leeds.
Academic Programme
In partnership with Richmond, The American University in London, the 4-year RIASA Undergraduate Programme is built around the core belief that student-athletes should not have to choose between academics or soccer.
The academic and soccer programme come together to give you the best opportunity to succeed and with the university being the only one in the UK that can award two dual taught degrees, you're going to be unbeatable after you graduate as you look to further your career within the sporting industry.
The undergraduate degree we offer, BA in International Sports Management, is based on the American liberal arts tradition which helps broaden perspective and develops practical skills which are highly appealing to future employers in a global economy.
As a result, you’ll begin the programme with a combination of modules on business and sport, together with topics such as Creative Writing and Scientific Reasoning, to provide a broadened outlook.
The second year has a financial focus on Accounting, Calculus, Probability and Statistics, together with a look at other subjects such as Sports Psychology.
The third and fourth years see a blend of diverse subjects, including Marketing, Nutrition, Legal and Ethical Concepts in Management, Sports Events Planning and Promotion and Sports Journalism.
Along with a wide-ranging choice of electives in the final year, you’ll also have the option to do an integrated internship in Sports Management, extending your knowledge and expertise in a specialist area of your choice.
Academic partner
Facilities partner
US accreditation association
More detail about the degree
Find more detailed information about the degree, including the Programme Specification Document, Course Specification Documents and other useful information about the University.
Transferable credits
Richmond, The American University in London accepts transferable credits. This means there is more opportunity for you to study with us here in Leeds, or take your studying to the US.
world wide tournaments
RIASA Soccer Programme Highlight.
In 2019 RIASA were invited to attend the International Junior Football Championships in Shenzhen, China. We reached the final but unfortunately couldn't be crowned champions.
Entry Requirements
You will need to meet the following entry requirements to join our soccer academy programme in Leeds.
International students
UK & EU students
English language requirements (non-native English speakers)
Our home, Your home.
The Place Where You Can Succeed.
We’re based in a beautiful 100 acre parkland at Leeds Beckett Headingley campus which has superb facilities that RIASA students have full access to*.
The RIASA Coaching Team
Meet the highly experienced coaching team at RIASA. Find out about their qualifications and football background.
Gareth Prendergast
Football Development Coach
Martin Hunter
Football Strategy & Mentoring Officer
Jamie McCombe
Academy Coach
Michal Korbel
Academy Goalkeeper Coach
Victor davis
"The RIASA Programme is a unique experience which allowed to me develop, I would highly recommend it"
Victor shares his experience of RIASA after spending 4 years on our undergraduate soccer programme in Leeds.
Location & Facilities*
Three miles North East from Leeds City Centre is the home of our football academy. Set in an idyllic 100 acres parkland, we are fortunate to have access to outstanding sporting facilities, stunning architecture and a well located campus.
*The location for RIASA may change from September 2023. In order to provide our students with the best possible state-of-the-art studying and football experience, we are seeking alternative location options, ideally in the same area as the current RIASA location in Leeds. We will provide an update on the location as soon as possible.
Student living in Leeds
Leeds is one of the most diverse and exciting cities within the north of England. The city is vibrant, exciting and multicultural, offering a range of attractions, restaurants, bars and events across the city which makes it the perfect choice for students joining our soccer academy.
The home of RIASA*
RIASA are fortunate to reside at the stunning Leeds Beckett Headingley campus which is a short 3 miles from Leeds city centre. The campus offers excellent sporting facilities, onsite accommodation, eateries and coffee shops whilst being set in an idyllic 100 acre green space.
*The location for RIASA may change from September 2023. In order to provide our students with the best possible state-of-the-art studying and football experience, we are seeking alternative location options, ideally in the same area as the current RIASA location in Leeds. We will provide an update on the location as soon as possible.
Leeds Beckett 3G pitch*
IRB regulation 22 approved rubber crumb surface.
Sports Park Weetwood 3G pitch
FIFA quality and World 22 rubber crumb surface.
Headingley Campus Gym*
Fully equipped state of the art modern gym.
University grounds*
RIASA is located at Leeds Beckett's Headingley Campus.
Carnegie Village*
On campus accommodation for students.
It's your future
One Programme, Two Degrees.
Be unbeatable and stand out from the crowd by earning a dual accredited degree in BA International Sports Management offering you more international opportunities.
Fees Breakdown
You can find a clear breakdown of the costs involved. Don’t forget that some students may be entitled to scholarships and there is a variety of funding available for UK and International students.
Header | Programme Cost |
|---|---|
International Student | £28,000 p/a |
UK Student | £24,250 p/a |
When you join the RIASA soccer academy you will benefit from working alongside similar minded students who are sharing the same passion. Here’s the full list of what's included for the RIASA Programme fee:
RIASA scholarships
UK students who choose to join the RIASA Undergraduate Programme are entitled to a £3,085 chancellor’s scholarship discount. Funding/academic loans are available to both UK & International students.
WE ARE RIASA
Togetherness.
There’s much more than football on offer at RIASA. You’ll venture into new experiences that will test your character. Along the way you’ll make friendships that last a lifetime as you embark on your journey in Leeds.
Funding Options for International Students
Funding is available for International students. We recommend using the most widely known funding providers, you can also self fund the programme fee. Here are the funding options for you as a student thinking about joining our soccer academy.
FAFSA
There are four types of FAFSA direct Loans:
Direct Subsidised Loans: For independent and dependent undergraduate students – the interest is paid by the Federal Government while in school.
Direct Unsubsidised: For independent and dependent undergraduate students and graduate students – the interest accrues while in school.
Direct Parent PLUS: For parents of dependent undergraduates to cover up to the full cost of attendance minus any other aid – subject to the parent’s credit rating. The parent can ask to defer repayment during the beneficiary student’s in-school status and for an additional six months after the student’s graduation.
Direct Graduate PLUS: For independent graduate students to cover up to the full cost of attendance minus any other aid or funding – subject to the student’s credit rating and can be consolidated after graduation. Graduate PLUS loans begin repayment six months after graduation.
GI Billing - US Veterans & Dependants of Veterans
Richmond is registered with the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA); therefore, if you are a veteran or veteran dependent student, you are qualified to apply for VA Benefits (The Post 9/11 GI Bill or DEA) to use toward your Richmond fees.
Richmond is dedicated to providing support to students who are veterans and dependants of veterans. As such, Richmond offers qualifying students the Yellow Ribbon Campaign Scholarship.
Students can also use Sallie Mae Loans for funding. You can also self fund the programme.
Slovakia European Tour
RIASA Soccer Programme Highlight.
In March 2020 student-athlete Sean Limon vlogged RIASA’s european tour to slovakia which included playing games against FC DAC 1904 Dunajská Streda and FC ŠTK 1914 Šamorín.
Funding Options for UK Students
Student Finance England
UK students who want to join the RIASA Undergraduate Programme can use Student Finance England, which is the main provider for student funding. If you are a UK student you can get the maximum loan amount of £6,165.
You may also be entitled to a maintenance grant. This is calculated by household income and therefore we can’t confirm if or the amount you may be eligible for.
UK students can also use Future Finance to obtain loans. Alternatively you can self fund the fees for our programme.
Train, Work hard, Repeat.
High Intensity Training.
We train on average four times per week, for at least two hours. We also regularly have other sessions in place that help you develop further. Each session is taken seriously, with a clear objective so that you can put in to practice the theory behind the activity.
The Route to Leeds*
Follow these simple steps to apply to join the RIASA Undergraduate Programme. Take the leap towards a more rewarding future with a dual accredited US/UK BA Degree in International Sports Management and experience playing high intensity football at our soccer academy in Leeds.
Apply to RIASA
Hit the 'Apply Now' button to begin your journey to joining Richmond International Academic & Soccer Academy.
Connect With Us
You will receive an email from our recruitment team to confirm your application has been received.
RIASA ID Camp or YouTube Highlight video
We encourage you to book a place on our next RIASA ID Camp in the US, or attend our next UK event so we can access your playing ability.
We will also accept your YouTube highlight video if you can’t wait for any of our upcoming ID camps.
Get Accepted by RIASA
After the coaching staff have seen your talent, work ethic and potential, you will receive confirmation that you have been accepted by the soccer side of the programme.
Apply to Academics
Once you have been accepted by RIASA, you will then need to apply to the University. We will provide you with everything you need to make sure your application goes through quickly.
It’s Time to Get Excited
Now that we have both applications, it’s time to start looking forward to joining our academy in Leeds. If there are any issues along the way, we are here to help.
See you soon!
The tools to succeed
Partnerships That Benefit You.
We want you to succeed on your journey, and by committing to our academy we can offer you the tools to achieve greatness. We have a working partnership with The Coaching Manual, who are the world's premier digital football coaching platform. This partnership will take your theoretical understanding of the game to a new level.
RIASA Player Progression Pyramid
It’s important to always have a plan when you're aspiring to break into the sporting industry and that’s where our undergraduate programme can help. We have a clear player progression pyramid that can help you achieve your maximum potential.
The RIASA progression pyramid is a universal academy standard that we follow to make sure players are allowed to thrive and progress through our academy. At each level you will need to work hard as you feel the pressures of the modern English game. Your fellow student-athletes will be pushing themselves in training and trying to earn their selection place in matchday squads.
Our UK football academy is competitive but rewarding. If you show good ability and prove yourself to our coaches, we will put opportunities in front of you.
Level 1 - U19 ECFA LEAGUE
Level 2 - RIASA REGIONAL TEAMS open age development leagues. If a player is older than 19 and doesn’t qualify for level 1 then he starts at level 2.
Level 3 - RIASA SHOWCASE TEAMS & loans to non league semi-professional teams including tournaments in China & Europe. All undergraduate players are invited to join the European tours.
Level 4 - KEMI CITY Finnish league division 2 your pathway into pro soccer.
Level 5 - Other division 1 and premier league European teams. European Teams such as Finland, Sweden, Russia, Belgium, Norway, Denmark or a pathway back into the USL MLS or Asia or back to the U.K.
The RIASA coaches have over 100+ years of experience within the football industry. We have a mixture of many different traits amongst our coaching team, the main attributes being talent identification and player progression through coaching.
All the way from the top down to the coaching team, we have great relationships and a strong network of connections across the English leagues, within Europe and in the US. These connections allow us to put you in positions that can define your footballing career.
Been there, Done that.
RIASA Success Stories.
Find out how our programme has helped previous students achieve their ambitions. It’s more than just ‘playing football’ here at RIASA as we look to help you embark on a once in a lifetime opportunity that helps you grow, learn and succeed.
Still got questions?
We’re here to help and we want to guide you through your application. If you have any questions, or you want to know more about our unique football academy, then please contact us for more information.
Sarah Crossland
Head of UK Recruitment
Get in touch with Sarah, who has worked at RIASA for over 5+ years. Sarah is head of UK Recruitment and knows everything there is to know about our unique soccer programmes. You can email her or schedule a call if you require more information: crossls@richmond.ac.uk.
*The location for RIASA may change from September 2023. In order to provide our students with the best possible state-of-the-art studying and football experience, we are seeking alternative location options, ideally in the same area as the current RIASA location in Leeds. We will provide an update on the location as soon as possible.
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.
a place to grow
We Develop You.
It’s intense at our football academy. Nothing worth having in life is easy and, with this in mind, each training session is fuelled with the intention of helping you to progress.
Start Your Journey.
Embark on a rewarding and life changing soccer programme.