Football Course with RIASA London

Play Big. Study Big. Dream Big. with Richmond International Academic & Soccer Academy (RIASA)

RIASA has an outstanding reputation as a highly professional UK soccer academy, now offering student-athletes (men only initially) a soccer playing and training programme in London combined with an undergraduate or Masters degree at Richmond American University London.

About RIASA

RIASA was the original soccer academy to arrive in the UK, offering students the chance of developing their game whilst earning a top class degree. The Director and co-founder of RIASA, Mark Ellis, played professional football in the UK for 10 years.

After his professional playing career came to a premature end due to injury, Mark began coaching in the US and met lots of talented young players who asked how they could study and play soccer in the UK. Mark approached Richmond American University London to add a soccer programme to their curriculum and the rest is history.

Development of Athletes
At RIASA London you’ll have the fantastic chance to play in a top quality soccer academy with professional coaching and playing opportunities. We are recruiting a minimum of 18 players for September 2024 when we will be launching our first roster in London.

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.

Students also have the opportunity to extend their academic studies and sporting pathways with worldwide sport and academic partner institutions, for example, in Australia, New Zealand or other institutions in the US.

Soccer player reviews take place daily through coaching methods and coach interaction but a formal review of the player's progress both on and off the field takes place termly. This review also links in with the Richmond American University London academic review structure.

Soccer Development Programme
By joining RIASA London, you’ll be thrown into a passionate footballing environment, offering you the chance to train four times each week under the guidance of our UEFA-licensed coaching team. We provide the ultimate pro soccer experience, from training sessions, video analysis, regular team meetings, strength and conditioning sessions and much more.

The footballing philosophy and ethos remains the same as our Leeds campus, you’ll reach your maximum playing potential as you embark on earning a dual accredited US/UK degree.