The Program
Millennium Square, Leeds City Centre
The Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA) is located in Leeds.
Successful completion of the strong undergraduate academic program will enable graduates to either pursue careers as professional sports persons or gain employment in associated business professions. It may provide an exit route into the professional game at some level, for some students, as they will have the opportunity to be showcased against top professional academies.Skilled soccer players with a desire to achieve professionalism in the sport have the opportunity to gain a degree that brings together the best in American business education and British sports training.
RIASA students also get the opportunity to study and practice for the Football Association's Level 1 and level 2 coaching certificates, and ultimately the profrssional UEFA coaching awards.
The RIASA students regularly update their photographs and comments to their own Facebook page - Day in the Life of R.I.A.S.A.
The Corn Exchange, Leeds city centre
Location
RIASA is located in Leeds, which is in close proximity to the other major UK cities of York, Bradford, Manchester, and Sheffield. It lies on an easy rail route half way between London and Edinburgh, Scotland.
ADDRESS:
RIASA
Carnegie Hall
Leeds Met Headingley Campus
Leeds
LS6 3QS
West Yorkshire
UK
The Soccer Training Site
The Carnegie campus training site has three full sized grass fields and two full sized third generation soccer specific turf fields within the grounds. Students may have to travel to some of the other soccer sites, and where necessary transport will be provided.
For further details of the Carnegie campus facilities follow the link below:
Training & Playing Equipment
As part of costs RIASA will provide all training equipment and travel track suits, polo's, sweatshirts and playing uniforms. Players need to provide their own playing shoes.
Player Representation
RIASA will help with players contracts with interested professional clubs, through the correct channels and licensed football agents, should the opportunity arise. This will be under the direction of Mr. John Hendrie
Timetable
Students will have a balanced timetable between the academic degree program, football training, and games. Students will attend classes part of each week day, and be expected to spend some of their free time in private study. They will also train on most week days, with a mixture of field and skills training and indoor fitness training, with league games on Wednesday and Saturday. Sunday will be a recovery and rest day. The showcase games will take place on a weekday afternoon at professional youth academy sites and league games will be played at the home and away club locations in Yorkshire and the north of England.
Why This Program?
US college soccer provides a very limited experience and developmental opportunity for students to reach their potential. NCAA and NAIA rules restrict the playing season and times players can play, be coached and develop their game. There are many students who would love to fully develop their playing potential and still receive the opportunity of a top quality professional education. Now they can at Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy in the UK.
Who Should Consider this Program?
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.
Students must meet the admission requirements of Richmond, The American International University in London.
Students who are interested in the program should contact the International Recruitment Coordinator, Dr Brian Haley, to discuss the program and consider suitability. Students should be of a good playing and academic standards either coming from a top premier select program or an all-regional or state player. Of course each individual player will be considered on an individual basis; the program is open to those who are willing to learn and improve their game and looking for a student experience that is different from one that they can gain while studying and playing elsewhere.
Coaching Certification
Players at RIASA will also be eligible to undertake additional FA and UEFA coaching courses under the direction of Mark Ellis.Students will qualify as a licensed UEFA coach, recognized as one of the best in the world. Students seeking a professional career in coaching will also be able to pursue the UEFA A license course. Check www.wrcfa.com for details.
Visa
Students will be able to work in the UK for 20 hours per week under their visa agreements. This will allow players to play semi professional soccer if they so wish and are good enough or remain an amateur within the RIASA structure and retain NCAA status eligibility.
Total Athlete Development
RIASA will be using the world's first interactive technology system for coaching education and player development. This system is cutting edge and presently being used by several MLS academy and professional teams as well as top premier select teams in North America. RIASA is committed to integrate the next level of coaching beyond the athletic field to using on line coaching education for players and staff to reach optimal performance both on the field and in the classroom. www.scoutingsolutions.com/soccer
Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/s/1433.aspx
