Queen Mary University Of London awards honorary degree to Alex Scott MBE

Alex was born in Poplar, East London, very close to Queen Mary’s Mile End campus. Signing with Arsenal as a schoolgirl, Alex helped steer the team to become one of the most successful in recent history. She appeared at European and World Cups and represented Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics. Alex ended her career as the second most capped England player across the men’s and women’s game with 140 appearances.

Since retiring from professional football, the former captain of Arsenal has built an award-winning broadcasting profile which has seen her become one of the most celebrated female sporting personalities and winner of the RTS Sports Commentator award. The former Arsenal Captain and England Centurion is one of the nation’s most in demand presenters. In 2021, Alex began her role as host of BBC’s Football Focus, the first permanent female host in its 47-year history. She was the first woman to commentate on a men’s World Cup match for the BBC and also became the first female pundit to cover the men’s game on Sky Sports. Alex is currently leading the BBC’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup 2023.

Alex is committed to growing the profile of and participation in women’s football at all levels. In 2011, she founded the Alex Scott Academy for female footballers aged 16–19 years, the first of its kind in the UK.

Alex Scott said: “I’m honoured and delighted to receive this Honorary Fellowship from Queen Mary in recognition of my contribution to raising the profile and popularity of Women’s football, and equality within the sport. Queen Mary is such an important part of East London, where I grew up. I’m so grateful to the people who have helped me on my journey, and I know Queen Mary plays such an important part in helping so many young people in East London, and beyond, to realise their full potential, regardless of where they are from.”