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 GPS to understand HOW someone moves, not just where they move through SpeedSig with Jason Weber
Managing and maximising the rise in individual athlete support teams with Ben Rosenblatt and James Collins
Winning the Rugby World Cup with the Springboks: A 19 year journey with Andy Edwards
Using sprinting as a movement screen with international rugby players with Tom Tombleson
Methods for testing and training neck strength with Gavin Pratt
Using micro dosing in-season with collegiate athletes with Steph Mock
What team sport coaches can learn from UFC about conditioning methods with Aaron Cunanan
#Bitesize - Breaking down and coaching deceleration with Hailu Theodros
The importance for mental skills training and its integration within coaching sessions with Aaron Walsh
Speed training for youth athletes with Alan Murdoch, John Garrish and Micheál Cahill
#Bitesize - What its like to lose your job in pro sport with Jordan Milsom
The 5 stages of on-field rehab after long term injuries with Filippo Picinini
#Bitesize - Choosing a mentor to accelerate your career with Nick Grantham
Successfully navigating the stages of an ACL rehabilitation with Matt Buckthorpe
Developing perceptual-cognitive factors to improve agility performance with Tania Spiteri
#Bitesize - Assessing agility in the field with Warren Young
Curvilinear sprinting: How we can test and train this unique quality with Alberto Filter
Velocity based training: The past, present of future with Jonathon Weakley
#Bitesize - How to implement microdosing with Matt Cuthbert
Reflections on working at the biggest clubs in world football with Jack Nayler
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