Raising Awareness, Leading with Strength: Ross Weatherstone

At IDA, we believe in more than developing players—we believe in supporting people. Today, we want to take a moment to recognize and honor the courage of our UK General Manager, Ross Weatherstone, who recently shared his personal battle with skin cancer.

A Journey No One Expects

In April 2024, during what began as a routine check-up for a patch of flaky skin, Ross was encouraged to undergo a full body check. That decision, as he has bravely shared, may have saved his life. Doctors discovered an aggressive form of melanoma skin cancer on his right calf. Within weeks, Ross underwent surgery to remove the affected area.

“The tone of the doctor’s voice changed when she saw the mole,” Ross recalled. “It’s something that will stay with me forever. If I hadn’t been checked, my situation could have been life-threatening.”

Further testing also revealed a high-risk freckle near his blind spot during an eye exam—something he continues to be monitored for regularly.

Strength in Family and Football

For Ross, recovery wasn’t just about surgery and medical care. It was about his family—his wife Angela and their daughter Amelie, born only a year before his diagnosis.

“One of the toughest challenges for me was seeing my daughter’s disappointment when I couldn’t play or look after her,” Ross shared. “That was mentally challenging.”

Football, too, played a powerful role in his journey. While stepping away from managerial duties at Binfield FC during his recovery, Ross was overwhelmed by the support of his assistant coaches, players, and the wider football community. Even moments like watching his brother, Simon Weatherstone—first-team coach at Newcastle United—lift the Carabao Cup at Wembley became part of his healing process.

“I felt blessed to be there,” Ross said. “It was just the medicine I needed.”

A Mission of Awareness

Out of this life-changing experience has come a mission that Ross now carries with him every day: raising awareness.

He speaks openly about the dangers of prolonged sun exposure and the importance of protecting both skin and eyes—especially in football, where coaches, players, and referees spend countless hours facing the elements.

“No one wears sunglasses as a coach, yet we’re told to face the sun when we deliver sessions,” Ross explained. “Protecting your eyes and your skin shouldn’t be frowned upon. It should be encouraged.”

Ross is passionate about normalizing these conversations in football environments—from grassroots training pitches to professional academies. For him, it’s not only about personal health, but also about creating a culture where prevention and awareness are prioritized, so others don’t face the same challenges he has.

“Be brave—go and get your moles checked,” Ross urges. “The peace of mind is huge. I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on anyone.”

Why We’re Proud at IDA

Ross’s resilience, leadership, and willingness to share his story embody what we strive to teach every player who comes through our academies: that challenges—on or off the field—can be faced with courage, honesty, and strength.

At IDA UK and across all our academies worldwide, we are proud to have Ross leading by example. His story is more than one of survival—it’s one of inspiration. But equally important, it’s now a platform to educate and build awareness—helping coaches, players, and families recognize the importance of early detection, regular checks, and simple protective habits that can save lives.

We are grateful Ross is feeling better, and we stand behind him as he continues to shine a light on this important cause—using his voice not only to lead IDA, but also to protect and inspire the global football community.