A Promising Partnership:
NYSA Sweden’s Collaborative Journey with RFS in Riga
Our recent visit to Riga, Latvia, wasn’t just a trip—it was a deliberate step towards establishing something meaningful, something that carries the weight of responsibility and opportunity. NYSA Sweden and RFS, a top-tier football club in Riga, are embarking on a strategic collaboration that has the potential to reshape the club’s 2025 season.
Building the Foundation
Every successful venture starts with solid groundwork. In Riga, we met with Egils Trušēlis, the Academy Director at RFS—a man with deep insights and a vision for the academy’s future. Our discussions weren’t just about logistics; they were about responsibility, competence, and the disciplined pursuit of excellence. We examined how NYSA Sweden could provide structured support, focusing on strategic next steps that will ensure long-term success.
A Collaborative Effort
Success is never achieved in isolation. We were joined by NYSA Consultant and Head of Elite Performance at Liverpool John Moores University, Dave McDermott. His expertise helped us formulate the next crucial step: the introduction of sport science-specific tests. Why? Because understanding reality—measuring it precisely—is the first step towards improvement. These tests will establish a baseline, allowing us to make informed decisions and optimise the academy’s development over the next six months.
To solidify this process, we will return to Riga to implement the option for practical testing, emphasising structured and evidence-based progress. This isn’t about short-term fixes—it’s about sustainable, measurable improvement in pursuit of supporting the current and next generation of RFS and Latvian youth players
Erasmus+ 2025
Away from practical testing, we also confirmed our ambitions to collaborate on entering the EU Erasmus+ project application process for 2025. These ambitions were distilled into considering the domains of both Dual Careers and Long-Term Athlete Development as our main points of focus. With these topics in mind, we were also grateful to take time with the President of the Latvian Higher Education Sports Union (LASS), Agita Ābele, who through her passion, competence and experience further cemented our belief that working together with various organisations in Riga and Latvia will yield long-term, positive outcomes. The potential is vast, but only if approached with intention and responsibility.
Expanding Our Network
Opportunities multiply when you reach beyond your immediate circle. We’re forging connections beyond RFS, engaging with our EU wide network to bring additional expertise to the table. Collaboration isn’t just about adding resources—it’s about combining strengths in a way that creates real, tangible value.
Cultural and Sporting Highlights
Riga is more than a backdrop; it’s a dynamic, vibrant city rich with history and character. We were privileged to experience its culture firsthand, thanks to the warm hospitality of Zemgale district manager Martins Pirarovics. Martins offered us a deeper understanding of the football landscape, guiding us through key areas of the Riga region and Zemgale. Experiencing RFS’s triumphant 1-0 victory over Ajax in the UEFA Europa League was a powerful reminder of the city’s passion and potential.
Looking Ahead
Our journey with RFS is far from over. This visit was just the initial step, and we are eager to continue forging this path. Collaboration requires commitment, discipline, and the willingness to push beyond our comfort zones. We aim to cultivate an enduring partnership—one that benefits the club, the community, and the broader sports landscape in Riga.
As we move forward, we’re filled with gratitude for the support and trust extended to us. Riga is not just a city we visited—it’s a place where we’ve begun to build something real, something sustainable. And that, ultimately, is what matters.