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 - Barriers encountered by women in strength and conditioning with Sophia Nimphius, Brian Gearity and Lorena Torres
Optimising athlete recovery and managing load effectively across multiple sports with Carmen Colomer
Maximising resisted sprint training and speed training with youth athletes with Micheál Cahill
#Bitesize - How to maximise heart rate variability (HRV) data quality with Marco Altini
Blood flow restriction training: Applications in rehab, recovery and strength training with Stephen Patterson
#Bitesize - What is maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and how it can be used to programme conditioning with Nathan Heaney
Developing and maintaining an injury risk reduction strategy at the Kansas City Royals with Austin Driggers
How to develop an NBA player: Assessments, programmes and methodologies with Nathan Spencer
#Bitesize - Data visualisation principles with Johann Windt
Deceleration testing and training: Applying the research in college football with Joey Guarascio
#Bitesize - How to programme and coach resisted sprints with Håkan Andersson
Maximising the impact of RPE data and other subjective measures with Shaun McLaren
Science and application of velocity based training with Dan Baker, Lachlan Wilmot and Jonathon Weakley
#Bitesize - Managing tendinopothies with blood flow restriction training and isometrics with Luke Vella
Maximal aerobic speed vs. Tempo: Which is optimal for team sport aerobic fitness (?) with Nathan Heaney
#Bitesize - The current state of hamstring rehabilitation practice with Jurdan Mendiguchia
Maximising the use of eccentric training for sports performance with Pete Burridge, Mike Young and John Wagle
A critique of the “knees over toes” phenomenon and maximising cross training prescription with Nathan Kiely
#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
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