BA Degree in International Sports Management is a unique undergraduate programme that will enable you to fully develop your soccer potential as you earn an American-accredited degree. In addition to graduating with a BA in International Sports Management, you will also gain an FA Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football and be exposed to the extensive networks of our team of ex-professional footballers and UEFA-licensed coaches. You will play in a top quality soccer academy with professional coaching and playing opportunities and be taken through a rigorous football training and playing schedule, with coaching focusing not only on your technique, speed and tactics on the field but on your nutrition and health. Alongside the practical side of the programme, you will examine the theory and practice surrounding the management and the business of sports in various parts of the world, and gain the vital business skills required for a successful career in sports management.
Based in Leeds, you will be in the heart of the U.K. in a true football culture, providing an incredible network of professional clubs and sports organisations within close proximity. Leeds boasts an incredible sports heritage, with world-renowned teams in soccer, rugby league, rugby union and cricket.
At RIASA, everything is organised to set student-athletes on the path to success. For instance, the academic framework is fully integrated into the soccer development programme, meaning that student-athletes never miss a training session, a game or team meeting. A typical RIASA student-athlete will play soccer for a 38 week-long season, as opposed to the 3 months you get in the U.S. This season is comprised of games against local academies, professional club youth teams and professional reserve teams. In addition, all RIASA student-athletes have the incredible opportunity to go on a tour of Scandinavia in March to take part in exit trials and showcase games against professional academies, giving them an incredible experience and the chance to be spotted by RIASA’s extensive scouting network. This year, we’re heading to Latvia and Slovenia!
We ensure that our student-athletes live and breath soccer. All whilst earning a premium, transferable, American-accredited degree.
The program is open to all students who wish to pursue an American Degree while playing in a top quality soccer academy with professional coaching and playing opportunities against professional youth academy and reserve teams.