via Nashyphoto
Alex Bailess, former captain of AFC Basildon now known as Hashtag United, was forced to retire at the age of 26 after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy is a condition that affects the heart's ability to pump blood around the body during heavy exercise.
Bailess’ retirement came at a promising time in her club's history having just merged with Hashtag United. The Hashtag men's team has seen a lot of success over the years, in a unique project that documents their progress to hundreds of thousands on YouTube.
This was an unheard-of opportunity for a women’s team in the Women’s National League. The year before the merger of the clubs, Bailess had captained her side to a cup final which was unfortunately voided due to COVID-19.
Looking to come back stronger in 2020 under the new name Hashtag United, Bailess was stripped of the opportunity to captain her side and forced into an early retirement.
Since Hashtag’s Women's team has gone on to be extremely successful, last year they stormed their league winning 16 out of their 18 games.
This year they are in a title battle against Portsmouth, if they come out victorious they will get promoted to the Barclays Women’s Championship.
When speaking on the matter Alex Bailess said “It was like grieving, it was almost like a loss.” She had spent her whole life as an athlete and now was unable to compete for the rest of her life.
“Three years on, I’m in a much different position and it looks really positive” Alex spoke with BBC Essex and has now got a much different outlook on her future in football.
She has become part of Hashtag United’s media team and creates football videos for a variety of online platforms including her own.
Although she has been forced into her new lifestyle, Bailess has still found a life that “fills that football fix”.
Bailess is also backing a Women’s National League Behind The Ball campaign that highlights some of the backstories of people within the game.
Bailess also spoke to BBC Essex about the project, “They are shining the light on coaches who maybe have multiple jobs, maybe players who are mothers, people who do different things in football and maybe contribute in a different way,”
The project is very close to Bailess as it is so close to her story, She stated “ People like me, who for health reasons, long-term injury or family or work commitments, can’t continue playing the game in the same way they used to, maybe they can be inspired to still be involved.“
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