AT RIASA we are all about our community & support

RIASA is not just an academy - we’re a family.

RIASA IS WORLDWIDE

Our programme welcomes student-athletes from all corners of the world, and we are proud of the multicultural and international identity that forms our community. Whilst our students primarily hail from the US, our program has also attracted student-athletes from Asia, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, the UK and many more. This diverse community not only enriches the cultural experience at RIASA but also gives us a global perspective, preparing our students for an international career in both football and academics.

THANKSGIVING 2024:

Soccer players in red uniforms celebrating on the field at night, with some pointing and one giving a thumbs up.
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Young man carrying a tray with foil-covered dishes at a social gathering
A group of people socializing indoors, with one person in a bright green hoodie laughing and talking to others.
A group of young men are gathered indoors, engaged in conversation and smiling, with one of them in a black t-shirt and beige pants standing at the center of the group.
Young man holding a tray of baked potatoes, standing in a room with floral curtains and other people sitting and standing nearby.
Two young men sitting at a table in a dimly lit room, one with braids pointing towards the camera, the other with long hair, both appear to be relaxed and engaged in conversation. In the background, a person is standing near a doorway.
Group of young people sitting and standing in a dimly lit room, engaging in conversation.
Two young men, one with glasses and curly hair wearing a blue shirt and the other with curly hair in the background, are interacting at a social gathering. They are in a warmly lit room with floral curtains and a large window.
A young man with dark hair wearing a black cap and a plaid shirt holding a foil-covered dish at a dimly lit indoor gathering.
Indoor gathering of young people socializing, some standing and some seated around tables, in a dimly lit room with holiday decorations and a green screen.
Two young men are engaged in conversation at an indoor social gathering, with warm lighting and decorations in the background.
Group of young people socializing and laughing in a warmly lit room, some sitting and some hugging, with a game of poker chips on the table in the foreground.
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Group of young people at a gathering, some sitting and some standing, indoors with warm lighting, table with snacks in the foreground, and a casual atmosphere.
Group of young men sitting indoors, some engaged in conversation while others appear lost in thought. One holds a thermos, and there are floral curtains and glass doors in the background.
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A group of young men sitting and standing in a dimly lit room, some engaged with their phones, with a man in a cream-colored shirt and white pants sitting on the floor, smiling and looking upward.
Group of young people sitting on a couch playing cards and smiling, with snacks like Oreos and small plates of cookies on the table in front of them.
Young man in a colorful shirt holding a drink at a gathering with other people, in a warmly lit room with a table of snacks and plates in the background.
Three people standing and talking indoors near a window with patterned curtains, during evening or night. Two women and one man are engaged in conversation, with a fourth person partially visible on the right.
Young people sitting on a sofa at a party, eating from plates, with cupcakes on a table in front of them, and a group standing in the background.
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Mental Health Support at RIASA

At RIASA, we prioritise the well-being of our student-athletes both on and off the pitch. Our dedicated mental health support system includes peer leaders and our Student Affairs Coordinator Kirsty Ibbitson who are always available to lend a listening ear and provide guidance. Whether you're facing challenges or simply need someone to talk to, you'll have a trusted network of support to help you thrive during your time with us.

Meet the Team

  • A smiling man with glasses sits at a table in a room with wooden paneling and large windows. He is wearing a light gray hoodie with a logo on the chest.

    Director & Co-founder - Mark Ellis

    After a successful professional football career spanning over a decade, most notably at Bradford City, Mark Ellis turned his focus to coaching, spending several summers in the USA. During his time there, he encountered many talented young players with aspirations of playing in Europe, but opportunities to pursue this dream were limited. Determined to bridge this gap, Mark co-founded RIASA in partnership with Richmond American University London. As an integral part of the academy, Mark remains deeply involved, regularly attending matches to support the players and share his wealth of experience, inspiring the next generation of student-athletes to reach their full potential.

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    Head of Department - Dr. Colin Howley

    Dr. Colin Howley is the Head of Department at RIASA, leading the academic program and supporting students throughout their studies. With a doctorate from the University of Sheffield and over 15 years of experience in higher education, Colin is dedicated to providing an exceptional learning environment for all of our student-athletes. His research focuses on contemporary sporting cultures and their representation in media, with published work on topics such as basketball, cycling, and documentary film. Colin is passionate about connecting students with opportunities in the sports industry, ensuring they gain both academic and practical insights during their time at RIASA.

  • Lead Women’s Coach - Jack Salvatore

    Jack has been at RIASA since 2022 and has contributed massively to both the men’s and women’s programmes in Leeds, acting as a coach for one of the male squads whilst also serving as the Lead Women’s coach since its inception. Jack earned his UEFA B Qualification in 2018 whilst also completing a Master’s degree in Sport & Exercise psychology, and has experience coaching  both in the UK and across the globe with Liverpool FC’s international academy.

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    Academy Coach - Kam Stead

    Coach Kam returned as a RIASA Academy Coach in 2024 after coaching at RIASA in the early years of the programme. During his time away, Kam bolstered his coaching CV by working with teams and academies across the country before bringing his engaging coaching style and charm back to Leeds.

    Coach Kam earned his UEFA B qualification award in 2018

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    Academy Coach - Tommy Wright

    The former Leeds United and Leicester City winger has an unmatched level of professional experience in football, with over 450 league appearances in England and Scotland. Tommy’s former coaching experience is also apparent in his intense but rewarding sessions, previously working at Barnsley, Swindon Town and Oldham Athletic as an assistant manager in the EFL.

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    Lead Goalkeeping Coach - David Piercy

    David Piercy joined RIASA as our lead GK coach in 2024, and his impact on the goalies is clear to see already. Piercy also brings experience from Liverpool FC’s international academy where he has spent time coaching in Abu Dhabi and Japan.

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    Goalkeeping Coach - Paul Barron

    Former Arsenal goalkeeper Paul Barron brings over 50 years of goalkeeping experience to the RIASA coaching team. Serving as a first-team keeper for more than 8 professional English clubs, he has more recently worked as goalkeeping coach, most notably Aston Villa, Middlesbrough and Newcastle United.

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    Lead Physiotherapist - Tom Baker

    Tom serves as our lead Physio for all squads, offering individual sessions by appointment and providing essential support during games. Tom brings experience from a multitude of sports including football, rugby union, netball and cricket.

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    Sue Stead - Personal Assistant

    Sue has been an integral member of the RIASA backroom staff since the very beginning, ensuring the smooth operation of the programme and providing invaluable support to both staff and students.

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    Heather Houseman - Head of Finance, Recruitment (London) and Director of Operations

    Heather manages finance, recruitment, and operations to ensure the program runs seamlessly, working closely with Claire Atkinson behind the scenes.

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    Claire Atkinson - Head of Recruitment (Leeds)

    Claire serves as the lead recruiter for the Leeds programme, communicating with the future stars of RIASA before they’ve officially joined the programme.

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    Ethan Krabbendam - US Recruiter

    A former RIASA student, Ethan acts as one half of our US-based recruitment team, traveling across the country visiting schools and events to interact with future RIASA students. Ethan also correspond with potential recruits on all online recruitment platforms and via email.

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    Shane King - US Recruiter

    Shane graduated from RIASA in the same year as Ethan and is also responsible for correspondence with recruits via email and other platforms. Shane, based in Georgia, recruits potential RIASA students on the east coast at talent ID events.

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    Kirsty Ibbitson - Student Affairs Coordinator

    Kirsty acts as a dedicated support system for our student-athletes, always available to assist with academic challenges or personal concerns.

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    Chris Nutton - Social Media & Marketing Manager

    Chris ensures RIASA shines both on and off the pitch by managing our presence across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Through consistent updates, player highlights, and behind-the-scenes content, Chris keeps the RIASA community engaged and connected.

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    Ollie Martin - Content Executive

    Ollie brings the action to life with dynamic visuals and daily social media content. He also oversees the livestreaming of our games through VEO Live, giving fans, family, and friends worldwide the chance to experience every moment in real time.