Mini Mavericks Football Academy
Pre Academy Training
A fun, developmental, and inspiring start to the beautiful game awaits!
IOF Academy is excited to introduce Mini Mavericks FC, our dedicated football academy for kids aged 5 to 9 years. This program is designed as the first step in our elite player pathway, providing young players with a positive, high-energy introduction to football, focused on enjoyment, development, and building confidence.
Led by our Director of Football, Russ Hullett, and his team of specialist pre-academy coaches, IOF Academy stands as the UK’s most successful coaching academy with 108 players signed to professional clubs. Our Mini Mavericks FC program utilizes a proven curriculum to support early-stage technical and physical development in an engaging and structured environment, perfect for youth football training.
Player Successes
IOF Academy, the UK's most successful football academy for kids, has developed over 100 players who have signed for professional football clubs. Additionally, they have worked with many professional players at both academy and senior levels, including those involved with Mini Mavericks FC, enhancing youth football training for aspiring athletes.
Pre Academy Coaching Program Ages 7 - 10
Age Appropriate Coaching
Led by Russ Hullett, former professional player and elite coach who has held Senior Academy Coaching & Scouting roles at:
-Manchester United FC
-Aston Villa FC
-Chelsea FC
-Nottingham Forest FC
-Notts County FC Academy Manager
-1st Team Manager – Lillehammer FK (Norway)
Supported by a hand-picked team of Pre-Academy specialists who understand how to develop young players the right way.
📍 Abbotsholme Independent School, Rocester, ST14 5BS
🗓 Starts – Tuesday 3rd March 2026 | 5:00pm Kick-Off
🌟 Does your child love football?
Do they dream of playing for a professional academy one day?
This is where that journey begins.
Our Pre-Academy is a professional-level foundation programme designed specifically for young players aged 5–10, combining fun, confidence-building sessions with the same coaching principles used at elite professional academies. The programme offers both development and elite groups allowing for players to development at different stages.
Why parents choose IOF Pre Academy:
✅ 108 players signed to professional clubs
✅ Showcase academy games
✅ Academy-style coaching adapted for young ages
✅ Small group technical development - Limited Places
✅ Confidence, creativity & decision-making encouraged
✅ Fixtures against professional academy opposition
✅ Outstanding private school facilities
✅ Clear pathway from grassroots to elite academy football
✅ Skills and technically practices 1 v 1, 2 v 2, 3 v 3, 4 v 4
This is a proven player pathway with 108 players already signed to professional clubs — start at the perfect age.
⚠️ Spaces are strictly limited to protect quality and individual attention.
Give your child the best possible start in football
Our Vision and Long Term Pathways
Education and USA Soccer Scholarships
Education and USA Soccer Scholarships
Education and USA Soccer Scholarships
At IOF Academy, our mission is to provide genuine pathways into football—not only for those pursuing a playing career, but also for students aspiring to work in the wider sports industry. To achieve this, we deliver a Full-Time Football and Education Programme for students aged 10 to 19, run in partnership with Abbotsholme School. This pi
At IOF Academy, our mission is to provide genuine pathways into football—not only for those pursuing a playing career, but also for students aspiring to work in the wider sports industry. To achieve this, we deliver a Full-Time Football and Education Programme for students aged 10 to 19, run in partnership with Abbotsholme School. This pioneering initiative serves as an elite youth football academy for kids, offering talented players the opportunity to enhance their skills while also providing a platform for students interested in sports careers. Our programme includes youth football training and offers routes into USA Soccer Scholarships, professional football, and connections with pro football partners, including Mini Mavericks FC.
Pathways to the Professional Game
Education and USA Soccer Scholarships
Education and USA Soccer Scholarships
At IOF Academy, our commitment to player development goes beyond training sessions—we actively create opportunities for our players to be seen. As part of our programme, IOF Academy players, including those from Mini Mavericks FC, regularly take part in exclusive showcase events in front of our professional club partners. These events pro
At IOF Academy, our commitment to player development goes beyond training sessions—we actively create opportunities for our players to be seen. As part of our programme, IOF Academy players, including those from Mini Mavericks FC, regularly take part in exclusive showcase events in front of our professional club partners. These events provide a unique platform for talented individuals to demonstrate their ability in a competitive, high-performance environment. Through our youth football training, many of our players are invited to attend football trials with Premier League and Football League clubs, offering them a once-in-a-lifetime experience and a genuine chance to take the next step toward a career in professional football. We don’t just coach players—we open doors.
Community-Driven
Education and USA Soccer Scholarships
Community-Driven
At IOF Academy, we believe in creating an inclusive, ambitious, and connected football community, which serves as a premier football academy for kids. Our programmes are open to both boys and girls, proudly catering to players of all levels—from those on a high-performance pathway aiming for elite football to those engaged in youth footba
At IOF Academy, we believe in creating an inclusive, ambitious, and connected football community, which serves as a premier football academy for kids. Our programmes are open to both boys and girls, proudly catering to players of all levels—from those on a high-performance pathway aiming for elite football to those engaged in youth football training 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 and our Mini Mavericks FC initiative are more than just a football programme—they represent a community where opportunity, development, and excellence are shared.
