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