The Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA) is an association football academy based in Leeds, England which was founded in 2010.[1]

History

RIASA was founded in 2010 and is based at Leeds Beckett University's Headingley campus.[1] It "offers international students aged between 18 and 22 the chance to combine studies with playing football across an intense, four-year course".[1] The degree offered is a four-year Bachelor's degree in International Sports Business Management.[2] Players study and train on campus.[2]

It was founded by former professional footballer Mark Ellis,[1] and part-owned by David Baldwin.[3][4]

It is linked to Richmond University, an American University in London,[1] who offer the players their degree when they graduate.[2]

The club had a link with English non-league club Eccleshill United, based in Bradford, but that ended in 2015.[5]

In 2018 they began a women's team.[6] In November 2021 it was announced that a new female football programme would be launched in 2022.[7]

Coaches

Gerard Jones was head coach until May 2015.[5] As of December 2018, ex-player Rob Jones was RIASA's head coach.[8] In October 2018 they also had "fitness coaches, nutritional advisers and a strength and conditioning coach".[1] James Hanson joined as a coach in September 2021.[9]

Players

RIASA began with 23 students, including Nahki Wells.[1] By October 2018 they had 97 students, primarily American, but from 20 different countries.[1] By February 2019 they had 94 students from 21 countries.[10] Joseph DeMartino graduated in May 2018, and later became a goalkeeping director for American club Fredericksburg FC.[11] In January 2019 RIASA graduate Omar Damba turned professional with English club Sheffield Wednesday.[12][13][14]

Other future professionals who spent time with RIASA include Angelo Calfo,[15] Adam McCabe,[16] Jonathan Lewis,[17] and Christian Eissele.[18]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 "Former Bradford City winger helping youngsters graduate on unique path to top of the game". www.yorkshirepost.co.uk. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  2. 1 2 3 Johnson, Kristian (30 October 2018). "Leeds-based football academy has worldwide reputation". leedslive. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  3. ↑ "Promotion would be proud day for former idol Ellis". www.yorkshirepost.co.uk.
  4. ↑ Walker, Michael. "The academy in Yorkshire teaching 60 young Americans all..." The Athletic.
  5. 1 2 "Plenty of quality for Eccleshill United vacancy". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  6. ↑ "London student skips graduation ceremony to train for the World Cup". Evening Standard. 24 May 2018. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  7. ↑ "Former City star set to unearth female gems with new programme". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  8. ↑ "BIG INTERVIEW: Former Sheffield Wednesday and Doncaster Rovers captain Rob Jones on his new role at prestigious soccer academy". www.thestar.co.uk. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  9. ↑ "City legend Hanson joins Hendrie and Ellis at RIASA". Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
  10. ↑ "Big interview: Rob Jones on Hibs job, RIASA coaching ambitions and Donald Park". www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  11. ↑ "Fredericksburg FC welcomes Joseph DeMartino as goalkeeping director". Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  12. ↑ "RIASA ace Omar Damba goes from Bradford College to Sheffield Wednesday". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  13. ↑ College, Bradford. "From Bradford College to Sheffield Wednesday". FE News. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  14. ↑ "Sheffield Wednesday poised to offer a deal to young striker". www.thestar.co.uk. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  15. ↑ Flower City Union Roster | Angelo Calfo Flower City Union. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
  16. ↑ "Adam McCabe Signs for His Third Season! – Georgia Revolution FC". Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  17. ↑ "LEWIS ARRIVES AT THE BANTAMS - News - Bradford City". www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  18. ↑ Ralph, Eddie (17 January 2018). "Sacramento Republic FC Sign Forward Christian Eissele". Sacramento Republic FC - USL. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
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