macey joined athenian league club kingstonian in 1923, while still in the army. his goals contributed to their winning the athenian league title in 1924 and also attracted the attention of professional clubs. football league first division club everton received permission in february 1926 from the then corporal macey's commanding officer to make an approach, the club secretary reported that he had already signed for plymouth argyle. he played only once for argyle, in a third division south match against reading on 27 february, before returning to kingstonian. it was reported that "the game did not enamour him with football in professional circles".