Sam Heathcote

Sam Heathcote
Heathcote playing for Macclesfield in 2025
Personal information
Date of birth (1997-12-24) 24 December 1997
Place of birth Altrincham, England
Height 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position Defender
Team information
Current team
Macclesfield
Number 13
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2015–2016 Altrincham 13 (1)
2016–2019 Crewe Alexandra
2023– Macclesfield
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 12 January 2026 (UTC)

Sam Heathcote (born 24 December 1997) is an English semi-professional footballer who plays as a defender for National League North club Macclesfield. Alongside his football career, he works as a physical education teacher.

Football career

In December 2021, Heathcote was named Division One North Player of the Month for his performances while playing for West Didsbury & Chorlton. He received the award in January 2022.[1]

He later joined Macclesfield, becoming part of the club's rebuilding project following its re-formation in 2020 after the demise of Macclesfield Town.

In January 2026, Heathcote played a key role in Macclesfield's historic 2–1 victory over Crystal Palace in the third round of the FA Cup, with Macclesfield becoming the first non-league side to eliminate the defending holders since 1909.[2][3]

In February 2026, during Macclesfield's 4th round FA Cup game against Brentford FC, he scored an own goal in the 70th minute, therefore knocking the club out on a 1-0 loss.

Education career

Heathcote has combined non-league football with full-time employment in education, working as a physical education teacher at Stamford Park Primary School in Altrincham while playing at semi-professional level.[4]

Following the January 2026 match, Heathcote spoke about returning to his teaching duties while continuing to play for the club.[5][4]

References

  1. ^ "Sam Heathcote Receives his December 2021 Player of the Month Award for Division One North". North West Counties Football League. 25 January 2022.
  2. ^ "Macclesfield shock Crystal Palace in FA Cup history-maker". Manchester Evening News.
  3. ^ "Sam sets the tone for pupil Dawson". The Non-League Football Paper.
  4. ^ a b Wilkinson, Damon; Parker, Ian (11 January 2026). "Back for school for Macclesfield FA Cup hero Sam Heathcote". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 12 January 2026.
  5. ^ "Macclesfield's Sam Heathcote returning to PE teacher job after helping stun FA Cup holders Crystal Palace". ESPN.