Negative positive energy! A PE teacher recalls his students' instructions before surprising Crystal Palace by eliminating them from the FA Cup.
On 14 Jan 2026 GMT+7, one of the biggest surprises in England's FA Cup unfolded when Maccelsfield, a division 6 club, upset Crystal Palace from the Premier League 2-1, advancing to the fourth round and making history as the first non-league team in 117 years to knock out the reigning champions.
However, behind this success, many Maccelsfield players have roles beyond football. One is 28-year-old center-back Sam Heathcote, who also serves as a PE teacher at Stamford Park Primary School.
After making history on Saturday, 10 Jan 2026 GMT+7, on Monday morning 12 Jan 2026 GMT+7 “Teacher Sam” returned to his regular duties. Upon entering the school, he was warmly welcomed by students applauding to celebrate his and the team’s great achievement.
Sam Heathcote, who teaches children aged 3 to 11, revealed that before the match, several senior students gave him serious instructions: “They told me, ‘Don’t get sent off,’ ‘Don’t concede a penalty.’ Nothing positive at all!”
“But on Monday, some of the kids will surely be happy for me.”