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:
#Bitesize - Managing and monitoring the menstrual cycle in World Cup winning athletes with Dawn Scott
Anaerobic speed reserve: Individualising conditioning in team sports with Phil Scott
#Bitesize - Testing changing of direction ability: Is it worthwhile with Alistair McBurnie and Tom Dos’Santos
Training the lower limb to improve performance and reduce injury risk with Colin Griffin
#Bitesize - Using run-specific isometric strength training with youth athletes and different populations with Alex Natera
Data science, data visualisation and evaluating the effectiveness of a programme with Johann Windt
#Bitesize - What impact strength actually has on speed with Peter Weyand
Debunking 5 myths on speed training and getting team sport athletes FAST with Pete Burridge
#Bitesize - How to evaluate sports technology with Xavi Schelling
Heart rate variability: What we know and how it can be used to inform training prescription with Marco Altini
Mental skills training: The untapped strategies to help athletes perform with Colleen Hacker
#Bitesize - Designing the optimal warm up with Rett Larson
Mentoring and building the skills needed to succeed in performance sport with Craig White
#Bitesize - Whoop vs Oura and which device to choose with Sian Allen
Coaching agility using a constraints led approach with Shawn Myszka
#Bitesize - Gym based assessments to help guide speed training with Ryan Grubbs
Linking a strength & power programme to a game model to maximise on-field performance with Shane Lehane
#Bitesize - Tackling common sleep problems in athletes with Luke Gupta
Training tendons: What really matters for performance and rehabilitation with Seth O’Neill
#Bitesize - Implementing Frans Bosch’s methods and the importance of hip lock with Leigh Egger
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