Soccer Academy: IASA/Richmond Sign Blue Chip Football Recruit From USA:

18/02/2010

Featured News:
CJ Clifford, Connecticut Commits to IASA/Richmond in England.

Feb 17th 2010

U.S. National team prospect CJ Clifford has decided to attend the International Academic and Soccer Academy in England in order to further his academic and soccer career. CJ comes from a solid background having trained and played this past year in the New York Red Bulls U18 academy team. CJ joined the Red Bulls academy in 2004 as a junior player.

In 2007 CJ was selected for the US National Team for a series of Nike Friendlies. He has been captain of the Connecticut ODP State team. He has played in England at the Liverpool FC academy, in 2003 and 2004; receiving player of the week awards and wishes to return to the home of football in order to pursue his dreams of professional soccer.

CJ met the IASA Director of Football, Mark Ellis, in January and was excited to learn of the opportunity to continue his education while training and being developed on a year round basis with top level coaching and against top quality opposition.

CJ passed up a number of scholarship opportunities in the US for this opportunity that he feels cannot be matched in the US college soccer environment. CJ said:

I’m very excited about this new experience. When I think about getting a BA degree in Business Administration and playing soccer all year round…you can’t ask for more. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and learning about their culture and at the same time improving my skills and learning so much more about soccer. After meeting and talking with Mark Ellis I know that I can accomplish it through IASA and Richmond University”

CJ’s Mother, Claudia, is confident that the experience will be a positive move for CJ. She stated:

“When you think of sending your child to a University abroad it can be scary. After meeting Mara Nisdeo and Mark Ellis I knew they would be in good hands. I contacted Richmond University in London and they are excited about the IASA joint venture with them. I’ve spoken with friends in London regarding Richmond and the feedback was just so comforting, I’m very pleased my son will be part of IASA and I’m looking forward to a very successful year”.

Mark Ellis said:

‘Obviously we are excited about having CJ join us- his resume is impressive and we hope to be able to further CJ’s development as he pursues his football dreams with the safety net of the all important American degree – it’s a win, win for him. I am really looking forward to working with him”.

Link to this page: http://www.richmond.ac.uk/n/864.aspx