About IOF Mavericks FC
Directors 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.
Now rebranded and revitalised, IOF Academy introduces IOF Mavericks FC—a dynamic football club delivering 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.
At IOF Academy, we believe in creating a football community that is inclusive, ambitious, and connected. Our programmes are open to both boys and girls, and we proudly cater to players across all levels—from those on a high-performance pathway aiming for elite football, to those focused on development and growth within the game.
We are committed to building bridges between independent and state school sectors, ensuring that football talent and passion are nurtured regardless of background. Through our partnership with Abbotsholme School, we provide access to state-of-the-art facilities, allowing players from all walks of life to train and develop in a professional, inspiring environment.
By uniting players, families, and schools from across the region, IOF Academy is more than just a football programme—it's a community where opportunity, development, and excellence are shared.
Director of Football Russ Hullett
Russell Hullett, brings a wealth of knowledge to our program and will be the lead coach, delivering daily training sessions to our students. With 30 years of experience in professional football, Russ began his playing career locally with Derby County FC before moving to SE Asia as a player/manager.
As a UEFA A-qualified coach, Russ became one of a select few UK coaches to study in Holland, earning the prestigious KNVB International Coaching License while conducting field studies with world-renowned academies Ajax and Feyenoord. His coaching journey has seen him hold senior coaching and scouting positions with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Manchester United FC, Aston Villa FC (scouting) and Nottingham Forest FC (Lead Academy Coach). He later became Head Coach of Norwegian club Lillehammer FK (pictured) and Academy Manager/U23 Head Coach at Notts County FC, the world’s oldest professional club.
Most recently, Russ was the Lead Head Coach and Partnership Manager for a joint program with Chelsea FC across Scandinavia. Currently, he works for the England FA as a Regional Coach Developer, training England’s future coaches. Russ also has extensive experience in football and education programs and the women's game, having served as Head of Women’s Football at Oxford University.
Speaking on the vision of the IOF programme, Russ added:
“We’re delivering both high-performance and development-level training to ensure all players receive a professional academy-style experience. A key component will be the launch of IOF Mavericks FC, a new elite youth club competing weekly in high-level matches hosted at Abbotsholme School. These games will be vital for player progression, exposure, and performance benchmarking.”
Director of Talent and Pathways Jamie Bennett
Jamie Bennett boasts over 20 years of experience in the football and sports management industry. He led a successful sports and academic management and consultancy business, which become a leader in the field. This enterprise has supported over 1000 players, assisting international student-athletes in gaining sports scholarships in the USA. With former clients playing for teams across the globe, Jamie's extensive network of contacts provides IOF players with exceptional opportunities both nationally and internationally.
Between 2014 and 2023, Jamie served as the Chairman and Owner of Eastwood CFC. His role during this period was to build an ambitious yet sustainable football club. Jamie oversaw the football and education programme at the club, forging partnerships with leading football brands such as Nike, ProDirect Soccer, and Premier League cubs Leeds United FC and Nottingham Forest FC.
Jamie developed a well-structured senior and youth football setup, organically expanding from one senior team to five senior teams and over 40 junior teams during his tenure at the club. His comprehensive understanding of running and overseeing a successful full-time football academy supports players from around the world.
In his role within the academy, Jamie will oversee the exit routes for players, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our athletes when they leave our programme.
Speaking on the vision of the IOF programme, Jamie stated:
“This initiative is all about creating real, tangible pathways for young players—whether that’s progressing as athletes or pursuing careers in the wider sports industry. Alongside top-tier coaching, students will gain work experience and coaching qualifications, and many will have the opportunity to pursue USA sports scholarships through our trusted network.”
Our Partners
