the international academic and soccer academy has been set up sepcifically for the soccer player from the united states who has the dream, passion and desire to test themselves and see if they have what it takes to be a professional player. at dms11 we have taken many players to the brink of the professional game, and a number have crossed that threshold and signed with professional clubs. however, for the vast majority of players the dream gets stuck with the limited opportunities at the age of 18. every parent has concerns of the risk of thier son trying to become a professional player at the expense of their education and future in life after playing days are over, that is if they even make the grade. players are worried that if they don't "go for it" now, then those 4 years at an american based university will leave them behind the professional game. with the limited training schedule imposed by the ncaa, this is a true reality as players in other countries and training, playing and around the professional game 44 weeks of the year.

the iasa Commitment

Mission:
To provide a life changing experience for student athletes as they pursue an accredited American Degree program while reaching their optimal playing potential.

Our Goals:
1) Provide a positive student playing and academic experience. It is a first chance opportunity for playing in the UK and European leagues while earning an accredited American degree.
2) To showcase players against top professional youth soccer academies, from premiership to league two levels in addition to and providing exit routes within the game not available to the North American soccer player.
3) To provide a top class academic degree program that is accredited in the US that helps build a top class resume that is transferable back to the US or within the European Education system.
4) Provide opportunity to help the student athlete grow, intellectually, socially and interpersonally utilizing the vast rich cultural heritage of the UK.

 

dms11 has teamed up with the american international university of richmond, thourgh the iasa to be able to offer players the most comprehensive and professional college educated soccer program in the world. no other program can offer an amercian accredited degree education, allow an athlete to keep their ncaa playing status while playing in a professional environment, retain 4 full years of eligiblity due to being outside the ncaa jurisdiction and receive 44 weeks of professional training in england while playing against top professional programs.

dan metcalfe - heading the partnership on behalf of dms11 - said "when I heard about this opportunity for american players i was extremely excited. we did our due diligence prior to agreeing a partnership with the iasa, with tubbs pike going to england to visit the coaches, the directors, the facility and the training grounds. with a glowing report back, making sure we covered all the aspects required to support players realistically dreaming of going to the professional game, dms11 agreed to represent the iasa in the us. this program is so perfect for the american soccer player. we have looked into every aspect to find a flaw in the setup and opportunity for the player, the risk of going versus their future opportunities and we have not found a single element missed, ignored or dismissed that would hurt a player in any way. i am sure that this program will lead to many professional opportunities as the years guide those willing to test themselves outside of their comfort zone. this program will also help parents decisions by knowing their son will be getting a full college education with the ability to return at any time to the us and take up a playing position with any american university wanting their son. "

The program takes place in leeds, england. the living facility in on campus with the training ground 5 miles away from the education center. the 24 chosen players will live as a team, each player with full board provided, and full transportation to and from all training and living amenities. everything is covered for the athlete in the yearly dues, from food, education, uniform and training equipment (except cleats), league costs for playing, insurance and so on. the visa to study also includes the ability to work 20 hours per week in the uk, so if a player decided to sign for a semi-professional team while studying and training with the iasa, they could be paid for their playing. (this would affect their ncaa status and would have to be a professional choice with full understanding of the consequences). the player would also be able to work off campus to earn money while living in the uk to help with extra desired activities outside of the college life.

the team of coaches includes:

Mark Ellis
Coaching Director

a Professional Soccer player for Bradford City for over 14 years, will oversee the player development program at IASA. Mark has worked at professional clubs as a coach,including Leeds Utd and Huddersfield Town FC.

Mark will be responsible for developing players to move to the next level and will oversee the relationship that IASA has developed with professional clubs in the UK and the European leagues.

The qualification for an IASA coaching staff member is a UEFA "A" license. There will be two full time UEFA "A" licensed coaches working with Mark in addition to a GK coach.

Dean Windass

Dean Windass, scored the winning goal at Wembley to take Hull City from the Championship to the Premier league. This strike is estimated to be worth 60 million pounds for Hull City FC.

Dean will work with Mark Ellis to assess players, advise players on what it takes to make the grade and offer players advice on what they need to go to the next level.

John Hendrie

John played at the Premiership level with Newcastle United, Middelsborough, Leeds United, Barnsley and Bradford City FC. John has also been the manager of Barnsley FC when they were in the English Premiership.; John also holds the UEFA "A" Coaching License.

John has numerous contacts within the professional game and will be responsible for coordinating the games for IASA with professional youth team academies.

John's son is presently on the books at Manchester United Professional Youth Academy.

Di Jones

Di Jones is the present England U21 scout. As an International Scout he knows how to spot talent and help develop players. Di has worked with Crystal Place and Wimbledon when they were both in the Premier League and Champion league respectively. He has worked with players at all levels from college aged to the professional levels. Di will be on hand to provide advise for young players and use contacts to help IASA players within the club networks.

Gary Batley

Gary Batley, will be part of the coaching staff with Mark Ellis and John Hendrie. Gary holds the UEFA "A" license and is a Coach educator up to level 3 UEFA B. Gary will help with coaching the IASA teams and help the IASA player's progress up the coaching ladder as they enroll and undertake their UEFA coaching license, which is part of the IASA curriculum.

 

PLayers will be scouted from all corners of the us, as well as offered to attend a player combine to have the chance to be selected for the program. the places are by invitation only to players who possess the talent, passion and desire to compete for a professional career, knowing that there are no guarantees, but there are opportunities that will make your chance of living the dream more possible.

to apply for this program you must go through dms11 for tryout and selection process.

to find out how to become a part of this program please contact dan metcalfe at:

Dan@DMS11.com

you can also visit the iasa website by clicking here.