IOF Mavericks FC
Bringing the professional football coaching experience to all through IOF Mavericks FC, focusing on youth development.
Could you be next ?
Capturing the spirit of the beautiful game
New U12 signing, Welcome Billy
IOF Academy visit to Nottingham Forest FC academy
USA College Soccer Scholarship Showcase Tour
Congratulations Ollie, well deserved !
Coaching for boys and girls aged 5 - 9 years
Director of Football Russ Hullett in Norway with Chelsea FC
3-0 Oxford v Cambridge University Varsity Success 2021
Oxford v Cambridge University Varsity success for Russ and the Womens Team
Head of Football Russ when managing Lillehammer FK, Norway
IOF Academy proud to be promoting Girls Football
IOF Mavericks FC at Derby County FC
IOF Girls on Tour in the USA
IOF Mavericks FC at Manchester United FC
IOF Mavericks FC at Leeds United FC
Abbotsholme School, home of the IOF Mavericks FC
Creating genuine player pathways
Abbotsholme School Training and Match Venue
IOF Mavericks FC Kit Sponsor Adidas
Our Partners
About IOF Mavericks FC
Our Mission
IOF Academy, formerly known as Cosmo IFA, is recognised as the UK’s most successful private football academy, with over 100 players signed to professional clubs since its founding in 2007. Established by former professional footballers Russ Hullett and Jamie Bennett, IOF Academy continues to lead the way in elite player development and long-term progression through comprehensive football coaching programs.
Now rebranded and revitalised, IOF Academy introduces IOF Mavericks FC, a new club formed in 2025—a dynamic football club for boys and girls that delivers professional coaching twice weekly by experienced academy coaches. The club offers clear pathways to elite football, alongside broader career development opportunities within the sports industry, focusing on youth development.
Russ Hullett has held senior coaching and scouting roles at Manchester United FC, Aston Villa FC, Chelsea FC, and Nottingham Forest FC, and served as first-team manager at Lillehammer FK in Norway. He currently works with The Football Association as a Regional Coach Developer, bringing exceptional expertise and leadership to the programme.
Jamie Bennett, a former football club owner, now serves as IOF’s Director of Pathways and Talent. Under his leadership, IOF Mavericks FC offers a range of exclusive opportunities, including USA Soccer Scholarships and a Full-Time Football and Education Programme for players aged 10 to 19, delivered in partnership with Abbotsholme School. This innovative programme blends academic excellence with high-performance sport, providing one of the most comprehensive and forward-thinking pathways in UK youth football.
Football News and Updates
Next Team Trials Dates
Why Join IOF Mavericks FC ?
Why Join IOF Mavericks FC ?
As part of our ongoing assessment process focused on youth development, we would like to invite you to attend our next trials event at Abbotsholme School on Tuesdays and Thursdays in September. This event offers us an excellent opportunity to evaluate the players (boys and girls) while allowing them to gain insight into our football coaching and playing philosophy at IOF Mavericks FC.
Trial Details:
📍 Location: Abbotsholme School
⚽ U12 – U16: 1800 - 19.15
🌱 Surface: Grass pitches (please bring appropriate football boots)
🥤 What to bring: Football boots and a drinks bottle
Additionally, we will be holding trials events throughout June, so please register your interest now for either the May or June events.
Why Join IOF Mavericks FC ?
Why Join IOF Mavericks FC ?
Why Join IOF Mavericks FC ?
At IOF Mavericks FC, we go beyond traditional grassroots football by offering a high-performance environment designed to support player growth, ambition, and enjoyment. Whether you're aiming for the professional game or simply want to develop in a top-quality setting, IOF Mavericks FC provides a unique platform for both boys and girls eager to enhance their skills through exceptional football coaching.
🌍 End-of-Season Tour to Norway
Our players enjoy the opportunity to experience international football culture through our annual tour to Norway, including competitive fixtures, team bonding, and unforgettable life experiences.
⚽ Elite Coaching, Twice a Week
All sessions are delivered by professional academy level coaches, ensuring every player receives high-level technical and tactical training in line with professional standards, which is essential for effective youth development.
🔄 Player Development Pathway
IOF Mavericks FC is fully integrated with IOF Academy’s wider development structure, providing a clear pathway from grassroots to elite-level football, USA scholarships, and potential trials with professional clubs.
👦👧 Inclusive and High-Standard
We cater for both boys and girls, offering opportunities at development and high-performance levels, with all players benefiting from access to state-of-the-art facilities at Abbotsholme School.
🎓 Holistic Player Support
Our focus goes beyond the pitch. We support players with access to sports psychology, nutrition guidance, and career planning—helping them grow as both athletes and individuals. Join IOF Mavericks FC and become part of a club where ambition meets opportunity.
Home of IOF Mavericks FC
Why Join IOF Mavericks FC ?
Home of IOF Mavericks FC
We are based at the prestigious Abbotsholme School on the Staffordshire and Derbyshire border, England. Abbotsholme School is not only our educational partner — it is also the official home of IOF Mavericks FC, our elite academy side competing in one of the most heavily scouted youth leagues in the UK. This commitment to youth development is evident in our impressive facilities set on a breathtaking 140-acre site, which includes:
- 3G training pitch
- FIFA-graded natural grass pitches
- A professional-standard indoor futsal arena
- A state-of-the-art strength & conditioning centre
The school's visionary owner is fully dedicated to enhancing the site into the UK’s #1 independent school for football coaching — with facilities, staffing, and player care to match.
For details of the Full Time International Football and Education programme we run at the school, please click the link below.
