Testimonials
A Personal Story from One RIASA student player
Joey Spivack, Hackerstown, NJ
After high school I turned down many college scholarships to play in the USA; and have not looked back since joining the RIASA Academy. I played with pros from all over Europe, South America, Central America and Canada, the RIASA level is not found at any US college. The last international tournament I played was with the Red Bulls in the U17 World Club Championship.
I arrived in Leeds in early August. The minute I finished unpacking I was playing friendlies with semi-pro team Eccelshill Untied playing in the NCEL, under the guidance of RIASA Football Director Mark Ellis. I made a great impression with Eccelshill United Manager Ian Banks. I was able to play and train with Eccelshill Untied and RIASA. I was truly in heaven. I made about 12 appearances with Eccelshill Untied scoring some goals and assists. I caught the eye of Conference North side Guiseley FC, their Manager Steve Kittrick was recommend by RIASA Football Director Mark Ellis to come watch me play. I was invited to join Guiseley FC (GAFC) in training for a trial. After one week I was offered a contract. As all this was going on I still had to maintain my academic standard.
Highlights of the RIASA football season was winning the league and playing in the following showcase matches; Hull City (Championship), York City (Conference), and Blackburn Rovers (Premier), Leeds United (Championship), Hudderdsfield Town (League One) Villarreal in Spain, (Premier) Motherwell (Premier) in Scotland. After playing the match against Huddersfield Town I was invited in for a trial, which went very well. The next highlight was winning the County Cup with Guiseley FC, my first English Trophy and medals a real thrill. We played the final at Valley Parade the home of Bradford City FC. I have become a better player this past year and I’m looking forward to the opportunities ahead with RIASA’.
Parent Testimonials
Troy & Cynthia Roane, San Antonio, Texas
“The RIASA program is everything our family was hoping for and expecting! My son has always wanted an opportunity to play professional soccer, this program not only allows him to showcase in front of some of the top clubs in the professional soccer world, but it also allows him to get his 4 year college degree as well”!
“All aspects of the program are professionally run with great accommodations, top notch professional training, and quality care for the boys at an affordable cost. We are extremely pleased with the quality of soccer and academics RIASA offers! We recommend RIASA to anyone interested in an International soccer experience and college education, the only program of its kind”!
Hollie Stray-Gundersen, Dallas, Texas
“Living the Dream and Getting an Education “.
“We teach our kids to reach for the stars, to pursue their dreams. We want them to follow their hearts -- but not at the expense of a College Degree. As parents, we also know the tremendous value of that four- year- degree and how critical it is to any "post soccer" success. The idea of pursuing a professional soccer career in Europe while earning an American Accredited Degree in Europe was not possible -- until now. The Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA) is the World's first opportunity for the North American player to earn an Accredited American Four-Year-Degree while playing in a professional academy in the UK -- it is the real deal.”
"My son, Kjell is one of the inaugural student/players of RIASA, and has already played on a semi professional team while in the program. He continues to develop and learn from the entire coaching staff at RIASA as he pursues his professional soccer dream and four-year-American Accredited degree in International Business with an emphasis on Sport. He is also very excited to have begun his UEFA Coaching Course! Not only is he living and breathing the dream of English Football, but also setting himself up for success after playing soccer. He and his teammates will be traveling to Spain in March for their first out of the country showcase!"
Kim Northrop, San Francisco, California
“I wanted to tell you how impressed I am with the program and congratulate you on the excellent results for the team. Chip left home with trepidation, but I have heard only enthusiasm and excitement from him since his arrival. He says these are the best coaches he has ever had in his life, people who really understand football. Even more impressive, he likes his classes and is engaged in the academics”!
“It is obvious to me that you care a great deal for the boys and truly want them to improve and succeed. The program is such a great way for the North American players to matriculate into a foreign system and style of play. Through out the years, I have seen several boys head off to Brazil and Europe for try outs with teams and have a very difficult time fitting in, usually returning without making the teams. But with this program there is the time to learn and prepare for a higher level, build confidence and skill”.
Player Testimonials
Andy Caesar, Panama
“RIASA is unparalleled in its ability to allow student athletes to simultaneously peruse excellence in their futures as scholars and footballers. (Soccer players)”.
Nick Pastuhov, San Francisco, California
“I have been having the time of my life here in Leeds. RIASA is fitting the criteria I had in mind. I can assure you I’m not the only one saying this”.
