*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:23, 12 February 2020 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 16:50, 13 August 2022 (UTC)
Jade Helen Bailey (born 11 November 1995) is a professional footballer who plays as a defender and a midfielder. She is currently a free agent, having last played for Liverpool FC and previously played for Arsenal, Chelsea and Reading (on loan from Chelsea). She is a former England youth international. She was involved in the final stages of the 2012 Summer Olympics torch relay. Born in England, she represents Jamaica internationally.
Early life
Bailey is the daughter of soccer coach Trevor Bailey,[4] the founder of Interwood Junior Football Club. Bailey started playing football at age 6 for a Sunday league team,[5] becoming the top goalscorer for Chapel End.[6] She eventually became captain[4] and the only female player[4] of Waltham Forest Schools U11.[4] But the team did not allow mixed-gender teams from age 11,[5] so Bailey got a trial with Arsenal,[5] was signed to Arsenal's U12s girls team,[4] started training with Arsenal,[5] and was spotted by England scouts.[5]
She was given a scholarship and a two-year professional contract by Arsenal Ladies football team.[7] Bailey came off the bench during Arsenal's win in the 2013 FA Cup.[8][9] Bailey started the 2014 FA Cup final and was part of the Arsenal side which won 2–0.[10] In April 2015, Manchester City's England midfielder Jill Scott was shown the red card and banned for three matches for headbutting Bailey during a match.[11]
Bailey transferred to Chelsea in 2016[12] and made 16 appearances in her first season, as a deep-lying midfielder and sometimes in central defence. She suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in April 2017, ruling her out of participation in the following season.[13] In January 2019, Chelsea gave Bailey a one-year contract extension and sent her on loan to Reading to prove her fitness.[14]
Bailey made her debut for England's under-17s on 3 October 2010 against Turkey[17] as a defender[3] although she had been an unplayed substitute in the matches against Italy[18] and Serbia[19] earlier that year. She was chosen by kit manufacturer Umbro in 2010 as one of the next generation of England's footballing stars.[20][21]
She was included in the England u20 for the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Canada.[1] In 2016 Bailey was selected by coach Marieanne Spacey for England's 'Next Gen' squad, which replaced the previous Under-23 set up, though still competing in U23-aged matches and competitions.[22]