The Most Successful Season Yet at IFG Macclesfield FC

Latest News
“This season represents everything we’ve worked to build, from youth development to international opportunities, academic success, and female player advancement—2024/25 has set a new standard for what’s possible at IFG Macclesfield FC.”

The Most Successful Season Yet at IFG Macclesfield FC

The 2024/25 season will be remembered as the most successful and transformative year in the history of IFG Macclesfield FC. From international tours to major tournament success, academic achievement, professional call-ups, and groundbreaking milestones in the women’s game, this season showcased the growth, ambition, and talent of our entire programme.

A Strong Start in Barcelona

The campaign kicked off in style with over 70 players travelling to Barcelona for a 10-day pre-season tour. Training at the prestigious Joan Gamper facility, home of FC Barcelona’s first team, the players had the privilege of working with official Barcelona academy coaches. The experience was more than just football; it included cultural exploration of the vibrant city and competitive fixtures against local semi-professional sides, helping our players prepare both physically and mentally for the season ahead.

A Demanding Schedule Back in the UK

Returning to the UK, our teams hit the ground running, with fixtures coming thick and fast up to two games per week. In addition to regular league competition, our athletes participated in weekly showcase matches designed to expose them to different levels of the game and test their development against a variety of playing styles and systems.

Academic Excellence

Success off the pitch was just as impressive this season. Fifteen student-athletes graduated with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees from the University of Central Lancashire, balancing their academic studies with the demands of elite football. Their dedication exemplifies the core values of IFG, developing well-rounded individuals prepared for life beyond football.

Alumni Making Their Mark

A highlight of the season was the continued involvement of IFG alumni in key roles across the club:

  • Daniel Humphrey – Admin Operations and Recruitment

  • Ave McDonald – Assistant Physio

  • Alice Walker – IFG Head Physio

  • Dirk Lambertson – U19 Assistant Coach

  • Mason Carrico & Drew Abdella – USA Recruitment, with Mason set to join the coaching team for 2025/26

Their contributions not only added value to the programme but also served as inspiring examples of the diverse pathways available through IFG.

International Exposure and Player Recognition

This season also saw one of our standout student-athletes, Justin Griffith, earn a senior international call-up to represent the Barbados Men’s National Team, a proud moment for everyone at IFG.

In February, our student-athletes embarked on two major international trips:

  • First, a Juventus Training Experience in Italy, where they trained at the club’s official academy facilities, explored the city of Turin, and toured Juventus’ iconic stadium.

  • Later that month, three teams U17 Boys, U19 Boys, and U19 Girls, travelled to the Las Vegas Mayor’s Cup, one of the most competitive youth tournaments in North America. The U17s reached the final, narrowly missing out on the trophy. The trip offered players exposure to global opposition and the unique experience of exploring the Las Vegas Strip many for the first time in the U.S.

Domestic Dominance

On the home front, IFG Macclesfield FC teams achieved remarkable success:

  • Macclesfield FC U21 had a historic campaign, securing the SUL League and Cup Double.

  • The U23 Shadow Youth Team completed their best season yet, winning both the National Youth Football League Top Division and the National Cup Final, played at The Hawthorns, home of Championship side West Bromwich Albion.

  • And in a landmark achievement for the women’s programme, Macclesfield FC Women were crowned champions of the National Football Youth League North Premier Women’s Division, marking a major step forward for women’s football within the club.

Pathways to Professional Football

Capping off the year, the 2024/25 season marked a record-breaking year for player progression. Over 25 IFG players were called up to first team football, including:

  • Call-ups to Women’s Tier 2 and Tier 3 clubs

  • Paid semi-professional contracts across multiple levels of the men’s and women’s game

From academic achievements and international development experiences to high-level competition and professional breakthroughs, the 2024/25 season was a defining year for IFG Macclesfield FC, a true testament to the programme’s commitment to excellence on and off the pitch.