In this episode of the Pacey Performance Podcast, Rob is joined by James Bunce, Performance Consultant & Owner, XG Performance. James shares his journey, starting from Southampton, where he climbed up to head of the department from initially starting as an intern in the academy, through his transition to the Premier League to develop a high-performance department, to taking on challenges in the US and Monaco. Reflecting on his experiences, James discusses the excitement and challenges of setting up his consultancy, including working on the 30th MLS franchise in San Diego.
The episode delves into the essence of succeeding in the competitive sports industry, highlighting the need for hustle, differentiation, and continuous learning. It underscores the importance of professionalization and modernization of coaching practices, alongside advocating for a focus on athletic development and player performance pathways. The discussion also covers the challenges of transitioning to consultancy roles, the value of professionalizing football environments, and the need for education and awareness in talent identification and development.
Rather than just being a bio, James dives into the detail of some key areas that he is particularly proud of during his career. He describes what the catalyst was which enabled him to transition from intern to head of department at Southampton FC. Then he answers a lot of questions on why the Premier League close to support certain rules like the necessity for BASES accreditation for its academy staff, while also diving deep into the reasons why growth and maturation monitoring is so key for the development of elite players. His time at Monaco is also an area where James provides some really actionable insights, particularly around data collection and implementing standards.
If you're working in football and are looking for insights into what its really like working at a Premier League club, a league or federation, this episode with James Bunce is for you.
Main talking points:
Agility training, problems with change of direction testing & game speed with Ian Jeffreys (Coach Educator & Academic Director, Setanta College)
#Bitesize - Understanding the menstrual cycle to optimise performance with Georgie Bruinvels
Gaining mobility and flexibility for sports performance with Vernon Griffith (Performance Coach)
#Bitesize - Benefits and downsides to eccentric training with John Wagle
Warm ups and cool downs; maximising our impact as coaches with Rett Larson (Strength & Conditioning Coach at German Women’s Volleyball Team)
#Bitesize - Recommendations for training athletes during growth spurts with Sean Cumming
Deciphering, understanding and optimising athlete movement efficiency with Matt Jordan
#Bitesize -The underpinning characteristics of speed with Stu McMillan
Creating a framework to maximise jumping and landing training with athletes with Dana Agar-Newman and Jeremy Sheppard
#Bitesize - Choosing the most appropriate recovery methods with Robin Thorpe
Speed, agility and social media gurus; reflections from 53 years coaching with Vern Gambetta (Coach and Founder of GAIN Network)
#Bitesize - Assessing and managing athletes through an ACL rehabilitation with Enda King
Creating and developing a high school strength and conditioning programme with Joey Berles (JJ Pearce High School)
#Bitesize - The function of tendons and how to best train them with Keith Baar
Enhancing change of direction speed and agility in the real world with Molly Binetti (University of South Carolina)
#Bitesize - What makes a good S&C coach with Eddie Jones
Nordic hamstring exercise; can we trust the evidence and should we use it (?) with Rod Whiteley (Physiotherapist at Aspetar)
#Bitesize - Programming plyometrics and jump training with Boo Schexnayder
Anaerobic speed reserve; maximising training prescription (part 2) with Gareth Sandford (Physiologist, Canada Athletics)
#Bitesize - How to programme isometric training with athletes with Alex Natera
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