When people hear the name Scholes, their minds often turn to Paul Scholes, the legendary Manchester United midfielder. However, the next generation of the Scholes family has already carved out a name in a very different sport: netball. Alicia Scholes is a young athlete who has transitioned from being “Paul Scholes’ daughter” to an internationally recognized player in her own right. With her skill, determination, and growing profile both on and off the court, she has become a figure of intrigue for sports fans and the wider public alike.
This article will take an in-depth look at who Alicia Scholes is, her journey in netball, her family background, personal life including rumored relationships such as with Ayo Odukoya, her height and athletic profile, and the influence of her mother Claire Froggatt. We’ll also cover her age, birthday, and professional milestones.
Who is Alicia Scholes?
Born into a sporting household, Alicia Scholes is the daughter of Paul Scholes, one of England’s most decorated footballers, and Claire Froggatt, his long-term partner and wife. Alicia was born on 8 May 2001, which makes her 24 years old as of 2025. While her father made his name in football, Alicia charted her own path in the world of netball.
From a young age, Alicia displayed athletic talent. Unlike her father, whose career revolved around football, Alicia was drawn to netball, a sport that combines agility, tactical awareness, and teamwork. By the age of eight, she was already involved in the sport and quickly rose through the ranks. Her early involvement with Oldham Netball Club and later YWCA Bury showcased her natural flair for the game.
Early Life and Education
Alicia grew up in Oldham, Greater Manchester, in a family where sports and discipline were part of daily life. She attended Hulme Grammar School, balancing her education with her growing commitment to netball. School tournaments and local leagues became her testing ground, where she developed the skills that would take her into professional ranks.
Her childhood was also influenced by her father’s career in football. Although Paul Scholes is known for his reserved nature off the pitch, he played a strong role in encouraging Alicia and her brothers, Aiden and Aaron, to pursue their passions. Unlike many sporting families, the Scholes household nurtured independence — allowing Alicia to break away from football’s shadow and embrace netball wholeheartedly.
Alicia Scholes’ Age and Birthday
One of the most frequently asked questions about Alicia relates to her age and birthday. Born on May 8, 2001, she recently celebrated her 24th birthday in 2025. Each year, her birthdays are often noted by fans online who follow her journey through the Netball Super League and England squads. Her young age highlights the potential she still has for further growth in her sport, as many netball players peak later in their twenties.
Alicia Scholes’ Height and Playing Style
Standing at around 163 cm (5 ft 4 in), Alicia Scholes is not the tallest on the netball court. However, her height is far from a disadvantage. Playing primarily as Wing Attack (WA) and Centre (C), Alicia thrives in roles that require agility, quick decision-making, and a sharp eye for creating scoring opportunities.
Her shorter stature allows her to be incredibly mobile, weaving through defenses with precision. Coaches and teammates often praise her vision and distribution skills, essential for setting up shooters in high-pressure matches. While netball can sometimes favor taller players, Alicia demonstrates how speed, tactical intelligence, and fitness can level the playing field.
Club and International Career
Manchester Thunder Beginnings
Alicia’s first significant step into professional netball came with Manchester Thunder, a club well-regarded in England’s domestic league. Joining their pathway program, she quickly became part of their senior setup during the 2020-2021 season. Her time there allowed her to gain valuable experience against some of the top players in the country.
London Pulse and the Netball Super League
In 2022, Alicia transferred to London Pulse, where she has continued to grow as a player. London Pulse has established itself as a competitive force in the Netball Super League, and Alicia’s inclusion in their squad further solidified her reputation as one of the rising stars. She was part of the team that reached the Grand Final in 2023, a milestone achievement for the club.
International Representation
Alicia’s talents did not go unnoticed by the national selectors. She represented England at various youth levels — U17, U19, and U21 — before stepping up to the senior England Roses team in 2023. Her international debut signaled her arrival on the global stage. In 2025, she was included in England’s team for the Netball Nations Cup, underlining her importance to the national setup.
Alicia Scholes’ Partner and Personal Life
Alicia’s private life has also become a subject of public interest, largely due to her family’s fame and her own rising profile. Reports in the media suggest that Alicia has been romantically linked with Ayo Odukoya, a contestant from the popular reality TV show Love Island.
The pair have been spotted together, and entertainment outlets have hinted at a budding relationship. However, it’s worth noting that Alicia herself has not publicly confirmed this. Given her relatively private personality, it remains speculation until made official by either party.
If true, the connection between Alicia Scholes and Ayo adds an interesting twist to her story, blending the worlds of professional sport and reality television fame.
Claire Froggatt: The Influence of Alicia’s Mother
While Paul Scholes’ footballing legacy often dominates headlines, Claire Froggatt, Alicia’s mother, has played an equally important role in shaping her life. Claire and Paul met as teenagers and married in 1999. Known for keeping a low profile, Claire has largely stayed out of the limelight despite being married to one of football’s most recognizable figures.
Claire is often described as a grounding presence in the family. She ensured that Alicia and her brothers had as normal an upbringing as possible despite their father’s fame. This down-to-earth approach may explain why Alicia has handled the pressures of public attention with maturity.
Beyond the Court: Business and Social Presence
In addition to netball, Alicia is also involved in family ventures. Together with Paul and her brothers, she co-owns a large gym in Oldham, a 10,000 sq. ft fitness facility launched in 2022. This project highlights her interest in fitness beyond just her professional sport, expanding into entrepreneurship and community engagement.
On social media, Alicia has also built a growing following. With tens of thousands of Instagram followers, she shares glimpses of her training, family life, and career. While she doesn’t court the spotlight as aggressively as some athletes, her online presence continues to expand.
Alicia Scholes’ Legacy and Future
At only 24 years old, Alicia has already achieved a great deal. From representing England on the international stage to being a core player for London Pulse, her career trajectory suggests even bigger things ahead. Her determination, skill, and family support system are strong foundations for future success.
Moreover, Alicia’s story resonates with young athletes looking to make their mark in sports outside of football. By forging her identity in netball, she has shown that being the child of a famous parent doesn’t mean living in their shadow — it can mean creating a unique and inspiring legacy of your own.
Conclusion
From her beginnings in Oldham to becoming a star in the Netball Super League, Alicia Scholes represents talent, determination, and independence. While much attention will always be paid to her being the daughter of Paul Scholes and Claire Froggatt, Alicia’s story is now about her own accomplishments and aspirations.
Her rumored relationship with Ayo Odukoya adds another layer of intrigue, but ultimately it is her skill on the netball court, her leadership, and her potential for the future that will define her. With her age, birthday, height, and professional journey now well-documented, fans can continue to follow Alicia’s career as it blossoms further.
At Infory, we’ll continue to track the progress of rising athletes like Alicia Scholes, offering insights not just into their sporting achievements but also into the personal stories that make them relatable and inspiring.