The Inspiring Journey of Alex Bailess – From Football Captain to Award-Winning Sports Presenter and Content Creator
Who is Alex Bailess?
Alex Bailess is a renowned British sports presenter, host, and content creator who has become a leading voice in women’s football media. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring — from captaining her football team and working as an NHS physiotherapist to building a flourishing career in sports broadcasting.
Born on 29 May 1994 in the United Kingdom, Alex Bailess has transformed personal adversity into motivation, using her story to uplift others and promote women’s sport. With an authentic voice, creative storytelling, and deep love for football, she has become a respected figure both on-screen and online.
Alex Bailess: Early Life and Education
Growing up with a passion for sport, Alex Bailess played football from a young age and was quickly recognised for her natural leadership and athletic ability. Her determination and team spirit stood out even in her school days at Chelmsford County High School, where she served as House Captain, PE Prefect, Form Captain, and Games Captain.
After finishing school, she pursued higher education at Keele University, earning a First-Class Honours degree in Physiotherapy in 2015. During her time there, she balanced her studies with her commitment to the university’s women’s football team, building the foundation for a dual career in both healthcare and sport.
Her academic excellence and passion for sport gave her a unique blend of empathy, discipline, and resilience — qualities that would define her professional journey.
Alex Bailess in the NHS: A Decade of Dedication
Before entering the world of media, Alex Bailess built a decade-long career in the National Health Service (NHS). She began as a Band 5 Physiotherapist at Broomfield Hospital in 2015, quickly progressing through senior positions thanks to her skill and professionalism.
Her NHS career included roles such as:
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Senior Respiratory Physiotherapist (2018 – 2020)
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Advanced Physiotherapist in Critical Care, Surgery and Amputees (2020 – present)
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Temporary Band 8a Respiratory Clinical Specialist during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she helped establish a new Acute Respiratory Care Unit (ARCU).
Her colleagues and patients admired her for her calm under pressure and commitment to service — traits that would later transfer seamlessly into her on-camera career.
Football Career: From Pitch to Camera
Football has always been at the heart of Alex Bailess’s story. She played for AFC Basildon, later becoming club captain for Hashtag United Women, a team competing in the FA Women’s National League.
However, just before the team’s inaugural season, tragedy struck. Alex was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that caused scarring on her heart. The diagnosis forced her to retire from competitive football at just 26 years old.
This moment could have ended her connection with the sport she loved — but instead, it became the start of a new chapter. As she herself has said, she “found a new way to stay in the game”.
Alex Bailess: From Physiotherapist to Presenter
After stepping away from football, Alex Bailess began experimenting with filming and creating football videos. Her first matchday vlog, filmed on a phone at a Hashtag United Women’s game, gained over 20,000 views on YouTube.
Encouraged by this response, the club bought her a camera, and she began to document the women’s game more seriously. What started as a small personal project quickly grew into a full-time career.
In 2020, Alex Bailess made a bold decision: she quit her NHS job to dedicate herself entirely to football media. Since then, she has become a recognised freelance content creator, presenter, and host across multiple platforms.
Achievements and Recognition
Alex Bailess’s dedication and creativity have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she received Silver for Best in Women’s Football at the prestigious Football Content Awards, held at Anfield Stadium in Liverpool.
This award acknowledged her authentic storytelling, consistent advocacy for women’s sport, and ability to engage audiences through her content. She continues to work with major organisations and brands, including:
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The Football Association (FA)
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DAZN Football
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Pixel FC (a Google Pixel platform promoting women’s football)
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Hashtag United Women, where she remains a key media voice
Her YouTube vlogs, TikTok reels, and social posts consistently celebrate the growth of women’s football and showcase behind-the-scenes moments that inspire fans to get involved in the game.
Alex Bailess: A Voice for Women’s Sport
What sets Alex Bailess apart is her genuine commitment to empowering women in sport. She uses her platform not only to entertain but to highlight stories that often go unheard. Her work bridges the gap between players, clubs, and fans, helping to make women’s football more visible and relatable.
Alex Bailess’s content focuses on authenticity — celebrating the passion, resilience, and joy of the women’s game. Her presenting style is engaging, confident, and warm, making her one of the most trusted and likeable figures in British sports media.
Alex Bailess Age and Partner
As of 2025, Alex Bailess is 31 years old. She remains based in the United Kingdom, working as both a freelance presenter and content creator.
In her personal life, Alex Bailess recently announced her engagement to her long-time partner, Jodie Anne. The couple shared their joyful news on 28 December 2024, captioning their post “13 short years later… ”.
Their engagement marks a beautiful milestone in a relationship that began more than a decade ago. Supporters and fellow creators flooded the comments with congratulations, celebrating the couple’s happiness. Alex and Jodie continue to share glimpses of their life together — including their dog Teddy — while keeping most details private and dignified.
Life Beyond Football: Public Appearances and Media Events
Even beyond the football pitch, Alex Bailess is now a familiar face at major events and film premieres. In 2025 she attended the “28 Years Later” movie premiere at Odeon Leicester Square and covered the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final in Bilbao — where she celebrated both her birthday and her passion for European football.
Her social-media presence reflects a vibrant mix of professional work and personal joy. Fans often comment on her optimism, authenticity, and the positive energy she brings to every project.
Alex Bailess’s Professional Skills and Expertise
Over the years, Alex Bailess has developed an impressive skillset that supports her media career:
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Video Editing: Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Premiere Rush, and Adobe Lightroom
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Content Creation: Vlogging, TikTok, Reels, and creative storytelling
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Presenting: On-camera confidence, live hosting, and interviews
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Communication: Clear, engaging storytelling with an emphasis on emotion and inclusion
Her background in physiotherapy also gives her an in-depth understanding of athlete welfare, recovery, and mental health — adding depth and empathy to her interviews and commentary.
Alex Bailess on Social Media
Alex Bailess maintains an active digital presence across multiple platforms:
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Instagram (@alexbailess): Over 16,000 followers; a mix of sports coverage, lifestyle updates, and motivational posts.
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LinkedIn: Professional updates on speaking events, brand partnerships, and sports commentary.
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YouTube: Matchday vlogs and behind-the-scenes insights into the women’s game.
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X (formerly Twitter): Professional commentary, event coverage, and sports advocacy.
Her approachable personality and consistent posting schedule have built a loyal audience who see her as both a role model and a relatable voice in modern football media.
Why Alex Bailess Inspires So Many
Alex Bailess’s story embodies resilience and reinvention. When faced with a life-changing diagnosis, she refused to step away from the sport she loved. Instead, she re-imagined her role — proving that setbacks can become stepping stones to even greater achievements.
Her success is not built on fame but on authenticity, creativity, and compassion. Whether she’s presenting at an event, filming on the sidelines, or engaging with fans online, Alex Bailess continues to elevate women’s football and inspire a new generation of creators and athletes.
Conclusion: The Future of Alex Bailess
As of 2025, Alex Bailess stands as one of the most influential media personalities in women’s football. At 31 years old, with a growing global audience and a heart firmly rooted in sport, her future shines bright.
From NHS wards to football pitches, from player to presenter, her story shows that passion can overcome adversity — and that women in sport deserve to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Alex Bailess is not just a presenter; she’s a symbol of resilience, representation, and the power of finding purpose after loss. The next chapter of her journey is certain to be as inspiring as the last.
