Macclesfield FA Cup hero Sam Heathcote returned to his job as a PE teacher at Stamford Park Primary School in Altrincham on Monday, January 12, 2026, following the team's historic FA Cup victory. The National League North side, Macclesfield, stunned Crystal Palace, the FA Cup holders, with a 2-1 win in the third round on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Heathcote played a crucial role in the match, helping his team become the first non-league team to knock out the Cup holders since 1909.

Upon his return to Stamford Park Primary School, Heathcote was greeted with a hero’s welcome. A video shared on the school's Instagram account showed Heathcote walking into the school hall to a loud round of applause from the students. The school expressed immense pride in Heathcote's achievement. Sarah Price, the headteacher at Stamford Park, stated that the school is incredibly proud of Sam and his team for their fantastic win, and that he is an absolutely brilliant role model to all the students who really look up to him.

Heathcote, who teaches children between the ages of three and eleven, shared that he received some instructions from his older students before the game. He recounted that they told him "Don't get sent off," and "Don't give away a penalty," and joked about their lack of positive encouragement. Despite the warnings, Heathcote played a faultless game at centre-back.

Beyond his defensive duties, Heathcote also played a part in Macclesfield's opening goal. Following an early challenge, team captain Paul Dawson sustained a head wound. Heathcote helped rearrange Dawson's bandage just seconds before Dawson scored off a free-kick. Heathcote jokingly claimed an assist for the goal, stating that after he helped with the bandage, Dawson started shouting at him for taking too long, and then he scored.

The victory was especially meaningful for Macclesfield, occurring just a week after the tragic death of their forward, Ethan McLeod. McLeod died in a car crash on December 16 while traveling back from a match. Heathcote revealed that many of the players dedicated the win to McLeod, saying that every time they step on the field, they try and do their best for him, and that it's been such a difficult time.

Reflecting on the transition from the high of the FA Cup win to returning to his teaching job, Heathcote said he didn't expect to be going back in having won. He added that it would be really nice, and that he would have a smile on his face for a long time.