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:
Using military pre season camps for the right reasons. Answering the critics with Simon Thomas
#Bitesize - How to implement eccentric focused training with your athletes with Angus Ross
Understanding and implementing isometric testing and training with athletes with Paul Comfort
#Bitesize - Developing players through the pathway in an elite football academy with Matt Allen
Agility training: Creating drills that transfer to on-field performance with Warren Young
#Bitesize - Microdosing; how it differs to other methods of periodisation with Derek Hansen
Preventing and rehabilitating hip and groin injuries in athletes with James Moore
#Bitesize - Why change of direction and agility testing doesn’t provide valuable information with Ian Jeffreys
Developing the ”how” as well as the ”what” of coaching, self reflection and expanding deep knowledge with Jonas Dodoo and Jamie Taylor
#Bitesize - The beliefs and practices of the Arsenal Academy performance department with Paudie Roche
Change of direction ability; testing, developing physical qualities and maximising on-field transfer with Tom Dos’Santos and Alistair McBurnie
#Bitesize - Why is the Nordic hamstring exercise so controversial with Kristian Thorborg
The deceleration vaccine, and understanding and improving deceleration ability with Tom Dos’Santos and Alistair McBurnie
#Bitesize - What is the anaerobic speed reserve and how can we use it with Gareth Sandford
The future of sports science and the sports scientist in professional sport with Jose Fernandez (Mahd Academy)
#Bitesize - The power of social media in getting (or not getting) a job in elite sport with Dave Slemen
Understanding and evaluating the return on investment from any sports technology with Sam Robertson (Professor at Victoria University)
#Bitesize - Using fixed resistance machines in-season with Cory Schlesinger
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
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