RIASA WOMEN

4 YEARS OF PROVIDING UNMATCHED EUROPEAN OPPORTUNITIES IN THE WOMEN’S GAME

“The RIASA Women’s Programme is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for girls who want to continue their soccer career in Europe - there are so many playing opportunities for professional clubs that you don’t get in the US.”

A female soccer player in a maroon uniform with 'University of Northampton' written on the front, standing on a grassy field during daytime, with trees and a few people in the background.

Since 2022, our women’s programme has provided countless playing opportunities for aspiring young female players alongside our bespoke US/UK dual-accredited degree.

Our girls train 4+ times a week as well as competing in the National Youth League on Wednesdays, facing well-known opposition such as Everton, Sheffield United and South Shields.

Various students have also earned the opportunity to play externally for well-established clubs across the country such as Bradford City, Barnsley and Northampton Town. In December 2025, a RIASA student was named in a squad that faced Arsenal Women’s U23 side.

If you’re serious about your soccer career and want to take the leap, you can apply for our women’s programme below:

APPLY HERE

CHOOSE YOUR SIDE

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RIASA LEEDS

Our bespoke, original programme

In Leeds, our female student-athletes work towards a 4-year International Sports Management degree with the option of continuing as a postgraduate. We also offer minor courses in Marketing, Data Analytics and Psychology for those who want to expand their studies beyond the world of sport.

Study, train and play in the bustling student city of Leeds, a short distance from major footballing hubs such as Manchester and Liverpool. Our stunning campus is situated in the vibrant suburb of Headingley, offering the perfect academic and athletic environment for young players to develop and learn.

Night aerial view of a sports complex with illuminated football, hockey, and rugby fields, located near a city with a river and houses in the background.

Choose from 30 degrees in the capital

RIASA LONDON

Our London programme offers 23 undergraduate and 7 postgraduate courses to choose from, giving you the freedom to study your passion whilst receiving RIASA’s world-class coaching on a daily basis. The full list of courses can be found here.

With over 17 professional clubs in London alone, there are countless playing opportunities for female players in the capital. RIASA London gives you the freedom to explore one of the most famous cities in the world whilst earning a degree and perfecting your game.

MATTHEW LARS FOSSEN

LEAD WOMEN’S COACH - LEEDS PROGRAMME

As Lead Coach of the RIASA Leeds Women’s Programme, Matthew plays a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of female footballers within the academy. Having once been a RIASA student-athlete himself, he understands the demands, pressures, and opportunities our players face better than most. His ability to mentor both from an academic and athletic perspective makes him the perfect guide to players continuing their journey in the UK.

Following his graduation from RIASA, Matthew embarked on a 10-year playing career that took him across Europe, representing clubs in Norway, Spain, Sweden and England. This extensive international experience gives Matthew a broad understanding of playing styles and tactics, enhancing the learning environment within the women’s squad.

Matthew’s time as a former RIASA student boosts his commitment to supporting our roster both on and off the pitch. He prioritises development and uses his strength & conditioning background to create important programmes for the students to follow in order to maintain fitness. Female student-athletes gain a realistic insight into what it takes to succeed at higher levels of the game and acquire the tools needed to pursue opportunities in European football or beyond.

Contact Coach Matty