Manchester United icon Paul Scholes has never been known to mince his words — and now, his daughter Alicia Scholes is getting the full dose of his legendary tough-love coaching. The 45-year-old football legend, who built his reputation on grit, precision, and no-nonsense play, has swapped football boots for courtside mentoring as his daughter climbs the ranks of England’s netball elite.
Eighteen-year-old Alicia, who joined the England youth netball setup, was on track to train with Manchester Thunder’s senior team before the pandemic halted her plans. But while COVID-19 may have kept her off the court, it hasn’t slowed her progress — or her father’s determination to prepare her for the spotlight. “You’ve got to show them what you’re made of,” Scholes told The Times. “Smash them about, that’s what we had to do. You have to make an impression if you want to be a first-team player. They’ll respect that more than being a cocky little s***.”
It’s the kind of blunt, old-school advice only Paul Scholes could deliver — equal parts tough and heartfelt. For the Class of ’92 legend, Alicia’s journey mirrors his own. “We had six really good players my age at United, and it was a fight to break through. Alicia will have the same battle to get into her first team,” he said, reflecting on the parallels between the pitch and the netball court.
Alicia, however, has inherited her father’s quiet confidence. “When you’re playing against the first team, you’ve got to be fearless,” she said. “Just play how you normally would and hopefully outskill them rather than being shy.” That blend of humility and edge — the same balance her father mastered — may be the secret to her success.
And the bond between them goes beyond motivational speeches. Ever the innovator, Paul even claims to have created his own “spin pass” for netball — though Alicia playfully admits she hasn’t yet shown it to her coach. “He’s disappointed I won’t use it,” she laughed.
While Paul Scholes dominated midfield battles at Old Trafford, it’s clear his competitive fire lives on through Alicia. Her rise in netball — combined with her father’s fierce mentorship — is fast becoming one of British sport’s most fascinating crossovers. The Scholes family has traded goals for goals, leather for lace, but the message remains the same: hard work, grit, and humility conquer all.
As the next generation of Scholes athletes takes shape, one thing is certain — the advice may be harsh, but it’s coming from a man who knows what it takes to win. And if Alicia follows in his footsteps, even in a different sport, the result could be every bit as legendary.
