BA (Hons)

International Sports Management with Women’s Football

Hosted by Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA) in Leeds, UK

Do you live and breathe football? Then join our new BA International Sports Management with Women’s Football. Women’s soccer has seen a huge surge in popularity throughout the world in the last few years, both from a player and supporter perspective.

Built on the 12 years’ experience of the highly successful team at Leeds-based Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA), this programme will give you a head start on and off the pitch for a career in the sports and leisure industries.

It also provides you with a great unique selling point. It is the only University where you can achieve a US and UK degree, combining your passion for soccer with a BA in International Sports Management. This programme is open to both men and women student-athletes. See our Men’s Football programme for more details.

Top reasons to study this programme:

  • Learn within the flexible Liberal Arts framework. Choose your own path – find out more about the Liberal Arts
  • Gain all-round knowledge of International Sports Management which will equip you for a career in the sports industry anywhere in the world
  • Develop your soccer skills as you train with professional UEFA A and Pro licensed coaches and gain highly valued soccer coaching qualification
  • Gain practical experience through an integrated internship in International Sports Management, enhancing your career options
  • US soccer programmes typically run for just three months, whereas we offer nine months of intense training, coaching & competitive matches
  • Opportunities for trials with clubs in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Slovenia & Latvia

Key facts

  • FEES (Spring 2024) UK – £24,750 / EU, INT & US – £28,500
  • FEES (Fall 2024) UK – £27,750 / EU, INT & US – £32,150
  • START DATES September & January
  • LOCATION Leeds; Teaching – Weetwood Hall Estate; Football training – Bodington Football Hub; Accommodation – Oxley Residences
  • SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABILITY UK ONLY – £3,085 p.a.
  • DURATION 4 Years (Full-time)
  • ACCREDITATION Office for Students approved University with Taught Degree Awarding Powers / Middle States Commission on Higher Education (US)

Play UK soccer. Earn a US & UK degree

RIASA is the only programme of its kind in the world, offering student-athletes, the opportunity to study for a dual-accredited US/UK degree whilst playing soccer in a professional UK soccer environment in Leeds*. This BA provides students with the opportunity to pursue their ambitions in soccer with a respected, reliable and transferable degree if their path doesn’t lead to the professional game.

Once graduated, you’ll be unbeatable. You’ll have studied one programme and gained two degrees, achieving a BA in International Sports Management from both the UK and US, opening the door to more international opportunities.

Not only that, you will have gained an English Football Association Introduction to Football Coaching Certificate, a highly prized and practical asset for your future career.

From August 2023 our academic facilities will be situated at Weetwood Hall Estate and our sporting facilities at Bodington Football Hub, which is a new state-of-the-art sports complex developed in partnership with the University of Leeds, The FA, The Premier League and The Football Foundation. Our accommodation for students will be in Oxley Residences which is a managed student residence adjacent to Weetwood Hall Estate.

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.

At RIASA you’ll have the fantastic chance to play in a top quality soccer academy with professional coaching and playing opportunities. You’ll be taken through a rigorous soccer training and playing schedule, with coaching focusing not only on your technique, speed and tactics on the field but on your nutrition and health. Get career advice from our professional UEFA A licensed coaching team on your future soccer options, such as how you can achieve a licensed UEFA coaching qualification.

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.

Like our other undergraduate programmes, our 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.

You’ll begin the programme with a combination of modules on business and sport, together with topics such as Research and Writing and Visual Thinking, to provide a broadened outlook.  The second year has a financial and business focus in modules on Sports Business, Macroeconomics and Microeconomics, together with a look at other subjects such as Sports Psychology.

The third and fourth years see a blend of diverse subjects, including modules on Sports Marketing, Sports Events Planning and Promotion, Sports Finance, Sports Economics, Team and Leadership, and Talent Identification. 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.

As a RIASA Student-Athlete, you will have the opportunity to play against professional academy teams across Europe on our annual tour to countries such as Finland, Slovenia, Latvia, Sweden and more.

On completing this programme, students will be able to apply for four exemptions (all certificate level) from The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), the world’s largest professional body of management accountants, entering into their Operational Level.

Richmond is the only university in the UK where the degree programmes are based on the US educational approach which is a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will study our Liberal Arts programme alongside their Major.

Find out more about the Core Curriculum >>

YEAR 1

Courses

  • MGT 3200 Foundations of Business

    An introductory survey course designed to introduce students to the principles and functions of a business. The various functional areas of business will be discussed, including economic systems, small business, management, human relations, marketing, accounting and finance. The course will also review the role of businesses in society and business ethics.

  • MTH 3111 Functions with Applications

    This course is designed to provide students with the necessary mathematical background for calculus courses and its applications to some business and economics courses. It covers the fundamentals of real-valued functions, including polynomial, rational, exponential and logarithmic functions and introduces students to the concepts of derivative and integral calculus with its applications to specific concepts in micro- and macro-economics

  • MGT 3201 Foundations of Computer Applications

    This is a foundations course comprised of a broad overview of information systems and technology, as principally used in support of business processes and decision-making activities. An in-depth discussion of the relationship, between organizations and information systems is a fundamental element of the course. Topics include: computer hardware and software, operating systems, the use of excel in management practice, social issues related to information systems. The use of excel provides a common thread in the topics covered throughout the course.

  • SPT 3200 Sport and Society

    This course introduces students to the various ways in which social science disciplines attempt to understand key cultural and ideological issues in sport from an international perspective. This will be achieved by utilising social theories that explore how dominant understandings of race, gender, class and disability are both reinforced and challenged through sport. Analysing these key issues will help students critically understand how global sport has been used as a political tool both historically and in contemporary society.

  • GEP 3105 Tools for Change

    In this course, students will discuss and respond to social issues in the local area through group work, reflecting on how they can become both collaborative and independent learners. They will research the context of and plan for service learning in the local area. They will learn to use a range of digital platforms for individual and group project work, focussing strongly on effective communication, including oral presentation and written reports using a range of relevant primary and secondary sources.

  • GEP 3180 Research and Writing I

    This core course concentrates on developing the students’ ability to read and think critically, and to read, understand and analyse texts from a range of genres. How do you successfully negotiate a path through a sea of information and then write it up? Using essential information literacy skills to help with guided research, this course develops the ability to produce effective and appropriate academic writing across the curriculum. This is the first course in the Richmond academic research and writing sequence.

Plus one of the following:

  • GEP 3150 Visual Thinking

    This course provides an interdisciplinary grounding in the practice and theory of critical visual thinking. Through theoretical frameworks such as semiotics, it explores predominantly photographic images, from across a range of cultures and contexts: the arts, politics, science, sport and technology. Through visual analysis, it considers digital forms of observation and image making, as well as building understanding by visual practice. It examines questions concerning curating, circulating and making public the images we produce. It asks: What are the values and truths hidden in images? How can the practice of image production advance our thinking around images? How, in the context of a range of disciplines, can we learn to communicate ideas visually and verbally?

  • GEP 3170 Narratives of Change

    This course considers a landscape of global ideas through the lens of contemporary literature. Students will be introduced to pivotal moments of recent thought surrounding gender, race, environment and technology, exploring how literature both shapes and responds to our changing world. Students will analyse literary, political, and theoretical texts from a variety of cultures, exploring the relationship between written form, content and context particularly the ways in which social change might play out in literature. There will be the opportunity to produce both critical analysis in essay form and creative writing that responds to the texts studied.

YEAR 2

Courses

  • ACC 4205 Managerial Accounting

    This course introduces students to the generation of cost data for the preparation of proper, representative financial statements, and for optimal planning and control of routine operations and long range organizational goals. It focuses on the uses of formal cost accounting systems and quantitative techniques to make managerial decisions. Topics include: direct absorption income statements, job and process costing, allocation and proration, pro-forma and capital budgeting.

  • ECN 4105 Introduction to Microeconomics

    An introduction to basic economic methodology. Within a framework of supply and demand analysis, the behavior of producers and consumers is examined in the context of the efficient allocation of scarce resources in society.

  • ECN 4110 Introduction to Macroeconomics

    This course introduces students to a theoretical treatment of national income and its key component parts. Macroeconomic models are used to examine policy issues and contemporary problems relating to output, income, spending and employment as well as inflation and growth.

  • SPT 4100 Introduction to Sports Business

    An introduction to basic economic methodology. Within a framework of supply and demand analysis, the behavior of producers and consumers is examined in the context of the efficient allocation of scarce resources in society.

  • SPT 4200 Introduction to Sports Psychology

    This course introduces students to a theoretical treatment of national income and its key component parts. Macroeconomic models are used to examine policy issues and contemporary problems relating to output, income, spending and employment as well as inflation and growth.

  • MTH 4120 Probability & Statistics I

    An introductory course in probability primarily designed for business economics and psychology majors. The course coverage will include: descriptive statistics, elementary probability theory, random variables and expectations, discrete probability distributions (Binomial and Poisson distributions), continuous probability distribution (Normal distribution), linear regression analysis and correlations, elementary hypothesis testing and Chi-square tests, non-parametric methods and SPSS lab sessions targeting applications of statistical concepts to business, economics and psychology and interpretations of hardcopies. All practical work will be produced using SPSS statistical software.

  • GEP 4105 Social Change in Practice

    This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to analyse London-based social and environmental needs. Students will discuss key texts related to service learning and apply a range of planning and research techniques to deliver a community-based project related to a chosen social or environmental issue. Students will use local resources when available including registered not-for-profit and community-based organizations and reflect critically on their ability to create a positive contribution to society. Students will engage in community-based service learning, with guided academic tasks and reflection.

  • GEP 4180 Research and Writing II

    How do you train your critical research and writing skills to be effective in the academic and professional arenas? How do you design and structure an argument that is convincing? This core course focuses on the principles of good scholarship and academic practice that will be required throughout the students’ studies and in the workplace. These skills are developed throughout the course so that students may, with increasing confidence, produce well-researched writing that demonstrates critical engagement with a self-selected academic topic. This is the second course in the Richmond academic research and writing sequence.

YEAR 3

Courses

  • FNN 5200 Corporate Finance

    This course examines the financial needs of corporations and the range of mechanisms available to meet them. The key concept of the time value of money is studied and applied to several decision models in capital budgeting and investment valuation. Other basic theories of Finance examined include risk versus return, modern portfolio theory, and basic financial statement analysis. Different financial requirements are considered with some emphasis in comparing internal and external sources of funds, their relative availability, and costs. Other topics considered include capital structure and dividend policy.

  • MKT 5200 Principles of Marketing

    Concentrates on the legal framework within which most business takes place. Topics include corporate problems of raising and maintaining capital by shares; relationships of board of directors to shareholders; respective rights and obligations; relationships of companies to third parties; control and the principle of majority rule. Examples are used of the way statute and judge-made case law has dealt with these problems.

  • SPT 5100 Sports Economics

    An introduction to economic principles and methodology applicable to sports. To provide students with the opportunity to explore the way in which economic theory and evidence can be used to analyse important policy issues in sports on the local, regional, national, and or global level.

  • SPT 5210 Sports Events Planning & Promotion

    This course introduces students to the principles, concepts and steps involved in planning and executing successful events. The focus is on event project management skills needed to research, design, plan, market, and co-ordinate and evaluate a professional event. The special needs of different types of events will be discussed. It explores the new industry standards being set for event organisation and spectacular entertainment and ceremony and examines the penetration of special events on everyday lives, and the cultural importance attached to those events.

  • SPT 5215 Sports Management

    This course introduces students to the principles, concepts and steps involved in planning and executing successful events. The focus is on event project management skills needed to research, design, plan, market, and co-ordinate and evaluate a professional event. The special needs of different types of events will be discussed. It explores the new industry standards being set for event organisation and spectacular entertainment and ceremony and examines the penetration of special events on everyday lives, and the cultural importance attached to those events.

  • SPT 5200 International Sports Governance

    This course examines the governance of international sport with a focus on regulatory functions and organisational structures. Students will evaluate the role of national and international sports governing bodies and analyse ways in which good governance frameworks are embedded in corporate and non-profit sports organisations. The course also explores the role of stakeholding in sports governance and practices of social responsibility within various international sports settings. Students have opportunity to critically reflect on the strategic organisation of sport in different countries and engage with a variety of contemporary issues and challenges facing international sports organisations.

  • MGT 5200 Research Methods and Data Analysis

    This course provides an overview of how research in business and economics can be conducted. Topics covered include research philosophies, critical literature review, and quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. This course prepares students for their Senior Projects.

Plus one of the following:

  • GEP 5101 Service Learning: Digital Collaboration

    This Digital Collaboration Service-Learning course is a student community engagement course that aims to provide students from all disciplines and majors with the intellectual, professional, and personal skills that will enable them to build professional links and function well in culturally diverse communities both locally and globally, in a digital capacity. In addition to the hours of field work (typically 30 hours*), the student will also produce a critical reflective progress report of their experience (a learning log), a ‘community action’ portfolio (analytical essay), and a final oral presentation, based on their own creative project. These assessments have been designed to help the student reflect on the application of their specialist knowledge, the skills they are learning, and the benefits gained from the service-learning experience. During this service-learning course, the faculty supervisor work closely with each student to ensure that the community engagement is a successful one.This course enables students engage with organizations and communities outside of the university. Over two semesters, students will devise, plan and construct their own digital project for Charities, NGO’s and non-profit organisations via digital engagement and media networks. This course expands theories from digital global service learning, across different employment sectors, and aspects of society. It equips students to identify the ranges of opportunities for innovation and employment that digital skills offer, using digital resource and community building for physical and mental health. The course examines decolonial theories of global digital community. It is highly recommended that students have access to the use of a laptop and a smartphone for the duration of the course.

  • GEP 5102 Service Learning: Leadership in a Changing World

    This is a Service Learning course that focuses on emerging forms of leadership. It aims to introduce students from all majors to the professional, intellectual and personal skills to enable them to understand different approaches to leadership and function well in culturally diverse communities globally. In addition to the hours of field work (typically 30 hours* depending on the organisation), the student will also produce a critical reflective progress report of their experience (a project log), and a portfolio of their work (potentially as an analytical essay, or a video or a Report or an oral presentation). These assessments have been designed to help the student reflect on the application of their specialist knowledge, the leadership skills they are learning, and the benefits gained from the critical experiential service-learning. It will also help them determine if their current career goals are the correct fit for them.This course enables students to engage with organizations and communities outside of the university. During the semester, students will consider topics such as negotiation and behavioral influence. They will devise, plan and carry out their own engagement project for Charities, NGO’s and non-profit organisations. This course combines design thinking and behavioural design theories with global service learning theory, across different employment sectors and aspects of society. It equips students to identify opportunities for influence, leadership and employment both in and adjacent to their field. The course is underpinned by JEDI approaches to justice, equality, diversity and inclusion across the global community.

  • GEP 5103 Service Learning: Environment and Society

    This Environmental Service Learning course is a student community engagement course that aims to provide students from all disciplines and majors with the intellectual, professional, and personal skills that will enable them to build professional links and function well in culturally diverse communities globally and within an Environmental perspective. In addition to the hours of field work (typically 30 hours* depending on the organisation), the student will also produce a critical reflective progress report of their experience (a learning log), a ‘community action’ portfolio (analytical essay), and a final oral presentation. These assessments have been designed to help the student reflect on the application of their specialist knowledge, the skills they are learning, and the benefits gained from the service-learning experience. It will also to help them determine if their current career goals are the correct fit for them. During this service-learning course, the faculty supervisor will work closely with each student to ensure that the community engagement is a successful one.

  • GEP 5104 Service Learning: Global Citizenship and Migration

    This course examines the theoretical, political and sociological conceptions of citizenship and their limitations. It looks at both the theoretical constructs and the concrete policies that have shaped the experience of the citizen and of the migrant. The course therefore considers the development of the nation state and the establishment of legal and social citizenship. It also examines the border as a mechanism of control and security. The course further addresses the intersection of experiences of citizenship across economic, racial and gender differences in the context of international governance as well as the globalization of economies and environmental issues. This is a Service-Learning student community engagement course that aims to provide students with the analytical and inter-personal skills to support key non-governmental and policy-making actors around the broad theme of citizenship and migration as well as to build an understanding of the needs and challenges faced by key stakeholders and local communities globally. Through consultation with key stakeholders, students will produce analytical written assessments on key questions around the theme of global citizenship and migration, they will also produce a range of work introducing them to a range of key employability skills in a range of key sectors related to citizenship, these might include: the local and global charity sector, local and national policy-making, as well as regional or international organisations. Students will be required to maintain a progress report that tracks learning and can act as a reference point for problem solving in the future.

YEAR 4

Courses

  • SPT 6102 Talent Identification: Principles & Practice

    This course explores key factors and issues in contemporary sport, including, genetics, secondary factors such as birth date, cultural context and population size, perceptual motor skill acquisition and expertise, sports development policy. It uses in-depth case studies, including European soccer, East African running and US professional sports, with an emphasis throughout on practical implications and processes for all those working in sport.

  • SPT 6105 Sports Finance

    This course examines the importance of finance within professional sports. It grounds students in the ‘real world’ of financial management in sport, illustrating how to apply financial concepts and appreciate the importance of finance in sound sport management and operations, and distinguishes the skills and principles of finance from those of economics

  • SPT 6104 Sports Marketing

    The course introduces students to the core philosophy and process of sport marketing. It examines the essential practices of effective sports marketing including, marketing strategy, product development, segmentation, targeting, pricing, and consumer behavior. Learning activities include in-depth analysis of case studies, sport markets and consumers, market research and sports market segmentation, and sport marketing plans.

  • SPT 6391 Senior Project in International Sports Management I

    Senior Project in Sports Management I is the first constituent of the senior project, which is the culmination of a student's studies in the business major. The course consists of developing a research project through engaging with instructor-led seminars, in which various research practices are explored. The project requires a significant level of enquiry and research sports management, and students will typically investigate a hypothesis or issue on a relevant topic. Students will develop a critical framework for their senior project by establishing clear research aims and objectives, evaluating existing research on the topic through the production of a significant literature survey, define methodological approach, and designing an appropriate research tool for the senior project. Students will conduct extensive research and locate appropriate data sources within sports management industries. Research process and practice is supported by regular-scheduled meetings with supervisor(s) throughout the course. At the conclusion of the course, students will present the critical framework to faculty for approval before progressing to Sports Management Senior Project II

  • SPT 6392 Senior Project in International Sports Management II

    Senior Project in Sports Management II is the second constituent of the senior project, which is the culmination of a student's studies in the business major. The course consists of conducting a research project by employing the critical framework, research methodologies and research tools developed in Sport Management Senior Project I. Students will focus upon the practical methods for collecting data from appropriate sources within sport management industries; and analyse the data by using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-method approaches. The course prioritises development of scholarly research practices for the processes of analysing, interpreting and presenting research findings. Students receive support throughout by regular-scheduled meetings with supervisor(s). At the conclusion of the course, students will present the research findings to faculty and complete a senior project report.

Plus one of the following:

  • SPT 6103 Team & Leadership Dynamics

    This is an applied leadership course with focus on case studies, projects, and group interactions; it includes theoretical background on group dynamics, small group behaviour and motivation, power, types of groups, verbal and non-verbal communications skills, and teambuilding. Emphasis will be placed on sociological and psychological dimensions of inter-group and team relations, including analysis and problem solving through simulations, cases, and similar activities.

  • SPT 6101 Coaching & Team Management

    This module explores the science and practice of coaching. The coach and coaching are at the core of sport and sporting experience. In this course the foci are the coach as a person and coaching practice as a complex social encounter. In the course students will examine practical, vocational and scientific principles that underpin the sports coaching process. This course is practice-oriented and will provide students with skills, knowledge and scientific background needed to prepare athletes and sports people technically, tactically, physically and mentally. This module helps to bridge the gap between coaching theory and from coaching practice enabling students to develop and extend their coaching expertise.

Integrated Internship

  • SPT 6901 World Internship in Sport Management

    This module explores the science and practice of coaching. The coach and coaching are at the core of sport and sporting experience. In this course the foci are the coach as a person and coaching practice as a complex social encounter. In the course students will examine practical, vocational and scientific principles that underpin the sports coaching process. This course is practice-oriented and will provide students with skills, knowledge and scientific background needed to prepare athletes and sports people technically, tactically, physically and mentally. This module helps to bridge the gap between coaching theory and from coaching practice enabling students to develop and extend their coaching expertise.

  • SPT 6902 Internship in Sport Management

    This module explores the science and practice of coaching. The coach and coaching are at the core of sport and sporting experience. In this course the foci are the coach as a person and coaching practice as a complex social encounter. In the course students will examine practical, vocational and scientific principles that underpin the sports coaching process. This course is practice-oriented and will provide students with skills, knowledge and scientific background needed to prepare athletes and sports people technically, tactically, physically and mentally. This module helps to bridge the gap between coaching theory and from coaching practice enabling students to develop and extend their coaching expertise.

In terms of following up with the assessment of student learning and consistent with US liberal arts traditions, our classes rely on the system of continuous assessment on a course by course basis and throughout any given semester. This approach often involves the use of term-papers, portfolios of work, quizzes, mid-semester and final exams as well as student presentations and general class discussion. Not every component applies to every course, but most do relate to many of the classes that are offered. Many of our courses involve a site visit or require attendance at a public lecture as well.

In addition to the courses outlined above, there are open electives in each year. Course content and delivery can be subject to change. For more detailed information on the programme specification, please find more details here.

A normal course load per academic year is 30 US credits, equivalent to 120 UK credits. Students complete 120 UK credits at Level 6 in their chosen major.

At Richmond our undergraduate degree programmes, which are based on the US educational approach, are offered on a four year pathway. Every undergraduate degree student will first enter our Liberal Arts programme before specialising in their Major.

The entry requirements for all undergraduate programmes at Richmond are the same, regardless of your chosen Major.

Academic Entry Requirements

Below is information on our entry requirements for both 4 years and 4 years with foundation programmes.

4 YEARS

  • A Levels: 96 UCAS points
  • US High School Diploma (or equivalent): 2.5 GPA minimum (on 4.0 scale)
  • International Baccalaureate: 24 IB points (year 1)
  • BTEC National Diploma: MMM

Other international equivalent qualifications are accepted – please email admissions@richmond.ac.uk for further details.

We understand that not every student is in the same situation, if you have any questions about your qualifications, please get in touch with us admissions@richmond.ac.uk.


English Language Entry Requirements

For more information on English Language Requirements for your country visit our How to Apply webpage.

The fees for students starting their programme in the 2022/23 academic year can be found in the table below.

Undergraduate fees include the following:

  • Academic fees – You will study for a BA in International Sports Management and as part of your degree you will complete your FA Level 1 coaching award
  • Academy fees – All students will receive a full training, travelling and playing kit as well as a full gym membership
  • Accommodation – All RIASA students live on campus, please check out the following link: Accommodation
  • Food – You will receive 2 food cards with £500 on each per semester, 1 card is for the campus food court and the other for the local supermarket

  UK EU / INT / US
Fall 2023/Spring 2024 Fall 2024/Spring 2025 Fall 2023/Spring 2024 Fall 2024/Spring 2025
International Sports Management with Football - RIASA
(per year)
£24,750 £20,250 £28,500 £24,650

Please note: Estimated accommodation costs of £7500 included within above fees. For more information please visit the RIASA website.


(Hint: Scroll left & right to view the full table)

UK students who choose to join the RIASA Undergraduate Programme are entitled to a £3,085 Liberal Arts Award.

Please see here for more details on funding available for international students.   We recommend using the most widely known funding providers. The funding options for you as a student thinking about joining our soccer academy include:

  • FAFSA loans
  • Sallie Mae loans
  • GI Billing

The University offers personal development seminars, leadership opportunities and access to work experience, volunteering and internships. There is also a dedicated, personalised service for assistance with CV writing, interview preparation tips and much more.

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to build links with industry experts and Richmond alumni, connecting you to a vast and influential worldwide network.


Internships
We offer career support and advice through our Careers & Internships Office that will assist and guide you in your study choices to make sure you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Whether you are interested in gaining work experience in London or internationally, we will be here to help you find the best possible opportunities.

Through internships you will gain business acumen, beneficial work experiences and transferable skills which will give you a competitive advantage in a fast-paced working environment.

Work while you study across 5 continents through our partners Connect123 and CRCC Asia with destinations in Spain, Argentina, South Africa, China, Japan, Vietnam and Australia.

  1. Apply to RIASA
    Hit the ‘Apply Now‘ button to begin your journey to joining Richmond International Academic & Soccer Academy.
  2. Connect With Us
    You will receive an email from our recruitment team to confirm your application has been received.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

“My time at RIASA has given me the opportunity to not only grow as a player but also as an individual. Moving so far from home and into a completely different culture gives you a great opportunity to grow as an independent person and experience what other areas of the world have to offer.

The training environment here emphasizes the importance of player responsibility. You will get out what you put into the program. On the pitch we have access to great facilities and a highly experienced coaching staff that all come from different backgrounds and experience levels. The staff here are incredibly passionate about what they do and work very hard to provide the best opportunities for their players on and off the pitch.

The opportunities to travel have been immense. In my four years I’ve played all across England as well as Finland, Latvia, Slovakia, and China. This has allowed me to experience different playing styles and levels of competition. Traveling has been the absolute best way to learn about different cultures and gain real world experience.”

Register for a RIASA ID Camp with RIASA >>

Sign up and find out about our programmes, facilities and what academy life is like with RIASA.

A person is wearing glasses.

“We are thrilled to offer this BA in International Sports Management with Women’s Football from September 2022.  The popularity of women’s football is increasing around the globe year on year.  At RIASA, we offer women student-athletes a unique qualification.  All of our students gain both a US and UK degree which creates more opportunities internationally.  Not only that, but the combination of education and sport in academic and athletic settings, provides students with the key skills needed to succeed within sports management and business environments.  RIASA offers students the best possible chance to do well in life – not just well in football.”
– Dr Colin Howley, Director of RIASA Programme

Related programmes

“From the first time I stepped on campus, I knew the experience would be different to that back home in the US. Football is life over here in the UK and that’s exactly what I wanted to be around.

I was able to train around 4 times a week and travel all around Yorkshire, then Europe and even the world, through football. RIASA took me to places I had never thought about. Riga, Latvia then Kemi, Finland and even Shenzen, China.”

A person is playing soccer in the playground, wearing shorts and kicking the ball into the net surrounded by a fence and grass.
Cole HeardInternational Sports Management (BA)

“My time at RIASA has given me the opportunity to not only grow as a player but also as an individual. Moving so far from home and into a completely different culture gives you a great opportunity to grow as an independent person and experience what other areas of the world have to offer.

The training environment here emphasizes the importance of player responsibility. You will get out what you put into the program. On the pitch we have access to great facilities and a highly experienced coaching staff that all come from different backgrounds and experience levels. The staff here are incredibly passionate about what they do and work very hard to provide the best opportunities for their players on and off the pitch.

The opportunities to travel have been immense. In my four years I’ve played all across England as well as Finland, Latvia, Slovakia, and China. This has allowed me to experience different playing styles and levels of competition. Traveling has been the absolute best way to learn about different cultures and gain real world experience.”

A group of people in orange uniforms are running on the field.
Shane KingInternational Sports Management (BA)

“Four years ago, I chose RIASA because I was looking for an opportunity to develop as a footballer and continue my education.

Working with and learning from coaches who have experience at such high levels of football has allowed me to develop my game and become a more complete footballer. Along with the coaching, RIASA has provided me with the opportunity to play against very talented oppositions, both here in England and around the world. From playing professional academies of premiership and championship clubs in England to travelling around Europe and even to China.

I have been able to do all of this, the travel, the football, and the training, all while still working on my degree which I was able to complete in four years. Due to the unique structure of RIASA that allows athletes to play and study at the same time without having to sacrifice either along with the incredibly helpful academic and support staff, I was able to complete my degree while still prioritising my football development.

After four years here, I have experienced the world, met great people, become a better footballer, and completed university. It has been an unforgettable experience and am happy that I chose RIASA.”

A person in a rugby uniform is playing a team sport on a grass field outdoors.
Ethan KrabbendamInternational Sports Management (BA)