The Program

The International Academic and Soccer Academy allows students the best of both worlds: a top quality academic program while living and playing in a true football culture. The UK is a natural fit for the North American soccer player both culturally and for living with the best league in the world and the excitement that brings on a year round basis. It may provide an exit route into the professional game at some level, for some students, as they will be continually showcased against top professional academies.

Why This Program?
US college soccer provides a very limited experience and developmental opportunity for students to reach their potential. NCAA and NAIA rules restrict the playing season and times players can play, be coached and develop their game. There are many students who would love to fully develop their playing potential and still receive the opportunity of a top quality professional education. Now they can at The International Academic and Soccer Academy in the UK.

Who Should Consider this Program?
The program is open to all students who wish to pursue an American Degree while playing in a top quality soccer academy with professional coaching and playing opportunities.

Students must meet the admission requirements of Richmond, The American International University in London. See below.

Students who are interested in the program should contact the International Recruitment Coordinator, Dr Brian Haley, to discuss the program and consider suitability. Students should be of a good playing standard either coming from a top premier select program or an all-regional or state player. Of course each individual players will be considered on an individual basis; the program is open to those who are willing to learn and improve their game and looking for a student experience that is different from one that they can gain while studying and playing elsewhere.

Coaching Certification
Players at IASA will also be eligible to undertake the UEFA coaching courses under the direction of Mark Ellis.Students will qualify as a licensed UEFA coach, recognized as one of the best in the world. Students seeking a professional career in coaching will be also to pursue the UEFA a license course. Check www.wrcfa.com for details.

Visa
Students will be able to work in the UK for 20 hours per week under their visa agreements. This will allow players to play semi professional soccer if they so wish and are good enough or remain an Amateur within the IASA structure and retain NCAA status eligibility.

Location
IASA academy will be located in the Metropolitan Area of West Yorkshire. It in close proximity to the major cities of Leeds, Manchester, and Sheffield. It lies on an easy rail route half way between London and Edinborough, Scotland.

You will live, breath and be focused like a top premiership club academy operation with the safety net of an academic degree to boot.

The Soccer Training Site
The training site has four full sized grass fields and one full sized third generation soccer specific turf field. The training facilities are top class with classroom space on site and involving no traveling between the soccer site and academic site. There are eight turf five a side soccer training fields. Students will have to travel to the soccer sites. College facilities are within commutable distance where necessary transport will be provided.

Training & Playing Equipment
IASA will as part of costs provide all training equipment and travel tracksuits, polo's, sweatshirts and playing uniforms. Players need to provide their own playing shoes.

Player Representation
IASA will help with players contracts with interested professional clubs, through the correct channels and licensed football agents, should the opportunity arise. This will be under the direction of Mr. John Hendrie

Timetable
Students will have a balance timetable between academics, football training and games. Students will train Monday and Tuesday with a professional showcase game Wednesday, Thursday recovery day; Train Friday and a league game Saturday. Sunday's will be recovery and rest day Games will take place on a weekday afternoon at professional youth academy sites and league games will be played on Saturdays at the South Leeds Stadium.

Total Athlete Development
IASA will be using the world's first interactive technology system for coaching education and player development. This system is cutting edge and presently being used by several MLS academy and professional teams as well as top premier select teams in North America. IASA is committed to integrate the next level of coaching beyond the athletic field to using on line coaching education for players and staff to reach optimal performance both on the field and in the classroom. www.scoutingsolutions.com/soccer