In a remarkable show of community spirit, supporters of the fan-owned club Macclesfield FC have rallied together to raise a staggering sum of money. Their goal is simple: to ensure as many fans as possible can witness their team's historic FA Cup third-round clash against Premier League side Crystal Palace.
A Financial Lifeline for a Historic Trip
The fundraising initiative was launched after the club secured its fairytale place in the third round of the FA Cup. The draw handed Macclesfield a dream – but expensive – away trip to Selhurst Park in south London on the weekend of 10-11 January 2026. Facing the significant costs associated with travel, accommodation, and policing for such a high-profile fixture, the club turned to its community.
The response was overwhelming. Through a concerted crowdfunding effort, fans and well-wishers have contributed over £30,000. This money is specifically earmarked to subsidise travel for supporters, making the journey to the capital accessible for hundreds who might otherwise have been priced out. The club's chairman, Robert Smethurst, emphasised that this was about more than just a football match; it was about sharing a unique moment in the club's history with its lifeblood – the fans.
The Phoenix Club's FA Cup Journey
Macclesfield FC's story adds a profound layer to this cup run. The current club was formed in 2020 by Smethurst after the collapse of the former Macclesfield Town. It is a fan-owned, community-focused phoenix club that started life in the tenth tier of English football. Their rapid progress and now this deep FA Cup run represent a heartwarming tale of resilience and rebirth in the footballing landscape.
Their path to the third round has been nothing short of epic. The team, managed by Michael Clegg, battled through multiple qualifying rounds before a memorable second-round victory. That win set up the glamour tie against Patrick Vieira's Crystal Palace, a fixture that pits a part-time, community club against top-flight superstars.
More Than Just a Game: Implications and Legacy
The financial windfall from this cup run is transformative for a club at Macclesfield's level. The revenue from television fees, prize money, and ticket sales from the Palace game will provide crucial investment for the club's future infrastructure and playing budget. It offers a sustainable boost that can fund community projects and youth development for years to come.
Furthermore, this story highlights the growing power and importance of the fan-owned model in English football. In an era where clubs can feel disconnected from their local communities, Macclesfield FC stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when a club is truly embedded in and run by its supporters. Their trip to Selhurst Park is not just a football match; it is a celebration of that very ethos.
As the weekend of 10-11 January 2026 approaches, a huge contingent of Macclesfield fans, aided by their own generosity, will descend on London. They will witness their team, born from adversity, walk out at a Premier League stadium. Regardless of the result, this FA Cup adventure has already been won off the pitch, securing the club's financial health and uniting its community in a shared, unforgettable dream.
