Local soccer player set to play soccer in England

Prairieville's Mitchell Williams has committed to play his collegiate soccer for Richmond International University’s Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA) located in Leeds, England, beginning in the fall of 2015.

Richmond International University is a fully American-accredited university that provides student-athletes with a top-quality academic program and a top-quality soccer

opportunity while living and playing in a true football culture.

The program features opportunities for players to train 40 weeks out of the year and to train with and be seen by professional clubs.

Williams is a long-time member of the Baton Rouge Soccer Club. His first exposure to English soccer was during a playing tour in 2009 against junior sides from a number of English clubs.

He was selected for West Ham United’s U.S. National Camp aimed at identifying talent both in 2012 and 2013.

This past fall, he visited Richmond and worked out for the coaches and was extended this opportunity. Through his club play, Williams was recognized as a member of the IMG 2015 Academy 150 Player Pool.

Additionally, Williams had an outstanding high-school career at St. Michael the Archangel High School--receiving the following recognition: first East Baton Rouge parish player to score 100 career goals, top goal-scorer in the Baton Rouge metro area (46), second-most points (105) in Louisiana in 2015, LA East All-Star selection, first-team All-State and a three-time District Offensive MVP.

Williams will report to the university on Sept. 1