IOF Mini Mavericks FC
Welcome to IOF Mini Mavericks FC
A fun and inspiring start to the beautiful game!
IOF Academy is proud to launch IOF Mini Mavericks FC, a dedicated football programme for boys and girls aged 5 to 9 years. Designed as the first step in our elite player pathway,
Mini Mavericks offers young players a positive, high-energy introduction to football, built around enjoyment, development, and confidence.
Designed by our Director of Football Russ Hullett—IOF Academy formerly Cosmo IFA, is the UK’s most successful coaching academy with over 100 players signed to professional clubs—this programme uses a proven curriculum to support early-stage technical and physical development in a fun, structured environment.
Player Successes
IOF academy the UK's most successful coaching academy has developed over 100 players who have signed for professional football clubs and developed and worked with many professional players at both academy and senior level.
Mini Mavericks FC Coaching Program
Age Appropriate Coaching
Expertly Designed for Young Players
At IOF Mini Mavericks, every session is thoughtfully tailored to meet the developmental needs of children aged 5 to 9, creating a positive and inspiring introduction to football.
Our coaching programme has been developed by Russ Hullett, IOF Academy’s Director of Football, who brings a wealth of experience from top-level football. With a background that includes roles at Manchester United FC, Aston Villa FC, and Nottingham Forest FC, and his current position as a Regional Coach Developer for The FA, Russ is passionate about nurturing both players and coaches.
The Mini Mavericks coaching curriculum focuses on the fundamentals of football, with a strong emphasis on:
- ⚽ Technical football skills and ball mastery
- 🧠 Motor skill development
- 🏃 Agility, balance, and coordination
- 🤝 Confidence-building and teamwork
We don’t just develop players—we develop coaches too. IOF runs regular CPD (Continuing Professional Development) events to ensure our coaching team continues to grow. We are committed to recruiting only the best, targeting academy-level coaches, scouts, and coaches with high development potential to deliver top-quality, age-appropriate sessions.
At IOF Mini Mavericks, we lay the foundation for long-term success—on the pitch and beyond.
Our Vision
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 pio
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 both an elite youth academy for talented players and a platform for students interested in sports careers, offering routes into USA Soccer Scholarships, professional football, and connections with pro football partners.
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 regularly take part in exclusive showcase events in front of our professional club partners. These events provide a unique platform for talented indivi
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 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.
As a result, 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 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 com
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.