Thomas Jefferson High School is widely known for having one of the best soccer programs in the state historically. Multiple professional players and numerous state championships add to its rich soccer tradition.

Hunter Bowman, a senior and Jefferson’s current goalkeeper, is the latest member of the soccer team to add to the legacy of Raiders soccer after accepting an opportunity to continue his career and education in Leeds, United Kingdom, at the Richmond International Academic and Soccer Academy (RIASA).

“It’s just a great honor,” Bowman said. “It shows that it pays off if you work hard, show up early to practice and do everything to make yourself better at what you do.”

Bowman was first approached about the opportunity while playing in a state cup tournament with his club team. He and a couple others from his team were offered a tryout in Lynnwood and, while there, he was offered another opportunity to travel to England for a week-long tour.

He went on the tour last summer. He was able to visit Manchester United and Manchester City’s stadiums – Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium – among other experiences abroad.

While in England, he was offered a spot in the RIASA program, which he gladly accepted.

It’s still pretty hard for him to believe it’s all happening.

“I hoped for it,” Bowman said. “I just never thought it could be a reality.”

He attributes a lot of success to his family and the support they’ve given them.

“I just want to thank a few people for helping me on my way,” Hunter Bowman said. “My brother, the rest of my family and my coaches. It’s a whole family effort.”

“It’s something that’s taken our whole family being involved,” said Cindy Bowman, Hunter Bowman’s mother. “It’s pretty big and pretty exciting.”

The program allows soccer players much more freedom than they would find at a university in the United States. NCAA regulations restrict the amount of practice time, number of games and offseason coaching time players can receive, limiting their development.

RIASA allows for players to experience more of what a player at a professional soccer academy would experience while also earning their undergraduate degree.

While on the pitch, the academy has provided opportunities for its athletes to play against youth academies and reserve teams for some world-renowned clubs. In the past five years, they have seen action against clubs like Hull City FC, Leeds United, Burnley, Bradford City, Blackburn Rovers and Manchester City, among others.

They have also played teams from outside of England, such as Villarreal, Ajax and Motherwell.

With knowledge that not all players will go on to play professionally, RIASA offers the ability for players to receive UEFA coaching certification as well.

The academic program is provided by Richmond, the American International University in London, and is accredited in both the United States and the United Kingdom. The students will be on the campus of Leeds Beckett University.

Bowman is looking forward to the opportunity to be able to immerse himself in another culture. He believes that it will make him a more well-rounded person as well as a soccer player.

While looking forward to his future in the United Kingdom, Bowman said he has not forgotten about the upcoming boys soccer season here.

“We’re hoping to make a run for state this year,” Bowman said. “We’ve got a lot of seniors. We think we can make a run for state this year and win it.”

The state title is Bowman’s main focus for the upcoming season. The Raiders last won in 2013, their eighth in school history. Snohomish has won the last two.

Bowman’s personal goals for the season are to become a better communicator on the field and to be a better leader for the team.

He’s been a starter for the team for the past couple of seasons, once being named as an all-league player.

Jefferson’s boys soccer season began on March 12 when they defeated Bethel 10-0 in their opening game.