RIASA

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]

Coaches

Gerard Jones was head coach until May 2015.[5] As of December 2018, ex-player Rob Jones was RIASA's head coach.[7] In October 2018 they also had "fitness coaches, nutritional advisers and a strength and conditioning coach".[1]

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.[8] Joseph DeMartino graduated in May 2018, and later became a goalkeeping director for American club Fredericksburg FC.[9] In January 2019 RIASA graduate Omar Damba turned professional with English club Sheffield Wednesday.[10][11][12]

Other future professionals who spent time with RIASA include Adam McCabe,[13] Jonathan Lewis,[14] and Christian Eissele.[15]

References
  1. "Former Bradford City winger helping youngsters graduate on unique path to top of the game". www.yorkshirepost.co.uk. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  2. 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. "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. "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.
  8. "Big interview: Rob Jones on Hibs job, RIASA coaching ambitions and Donald Park". www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  9. "Fredericksburg FC welcomes Joseph DeMartino as goalkeeping director". Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  10. "RIASA ace Omar Damba goes from Bradford College to Sheffield Wednesday". Bradford Telegraph and Argus. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  11. College, Bradford. "From Bradford College to Sheffield Wednesday". FE News. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  12. "Sheffield Wednesday poised to offer a deal to young striker". www.thestar.co.uk. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  13. "Adam McCabe Signs for His Third Season! – Georgia Revolution FC". Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  14. "LEWIS ARRIVES AT THE BANTAMS - News - Bradford City". www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
  15. Ralph, Eddie (17 January 2018). "Sacramento Republic FC Sign Forward Christian Eissele". Sacramento Republic FC - USL. Retrieved 10 April 2019.
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