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 - The value of injury screening with Nicol van Dyk
Optimising strength and conditioning for combat athletes with Duncan French, Danny Wilson and Rhys Ingram
Working in women’s football: Injury prevention, game demands and menstrual cycle tracking
Developing a more aggressive approach to hamstring injury rehabilitation with Tim Parham
Maximising the use of asymmetry data for profiling, rehab and fatigue monitoring with Chris Bishop
#Bitesize - Using the anaerobic speed reserve to ”bucket” an athlete group’s conditioning with Phil Scott
Maximising performance, managing fatigue and optimising recovery in American Football with Marc Lewis
How to implement micro-dosing strategies in team sports with Matt Cuthbert
The evolution of American Football training and its impact on all collision sports with Kurt Hester
Using collaboration and smart data collection to enhance the transfer of training with Dan Tobin and Dan Grange
Using a fascia based approach to performance training and rehabilitation with Danny Foley
#Bitesize - ”Activation” sessions - Do they do what we think/hope they do with Tony Blazevich
How to successfully navigate scientific research and apply the information to your athletes with JB Morin
#Bitesize - Working with José Mourinho and providing useful training load insights with Robin Thorpe
The application of isometric strength training and testing: Views of the experts with Alex Natera, Matt Taberner and Danny Lum
Understanding what maximises training transfer through intelligent data collection with Nick Lumley
#Bitesize - How to choose the most effective footwear for injury prevention with Athol Thomson
Being the “manager’s guy” and the realities of losing your job in pro sport with Jordan Milsom
#Bitesize - What is the hype around the knees over toes split squat with Nathan Kiely
An in-depth look at a league winning performance department with Leigh Egger & Stijn Vandenbroucke
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