Spotlight on... Sport OV series - James Burgess (21W)
As part of our SPOTLIGHT on... series we interview our Old Vikings to hear about life after Shiplake College. We delve into what career and education paths they chose and what influenced them along the way.
James Burgess (21W) is at Loughborough studying sports & exercise psychology. He chats to us about his own sporting journey and how his time at Shiplake shaped his love of sport.
1. What are your earliest memories of being interested in sport?
My Grandad started my interest in sport after inviting me down to a European Cup London Irish game when I was 8. Despite not remotely understanding the rules of rugby, I became very eager to give the game a go. A week later, my Dad took me down to Bracknell Rugby Club, a decision that lead to many doors being opened one of those being Shiplake through Andy Dalrymple who’s son Matt also had played at Bracknell and is an OV.
2. How did Shiplake or what you studied after leaving Shiplake influence your passion for a career in sport?
Shiplake had a huge influence on supporting my journey in rugby. At the beginning of lower sixth, I had to stop playing rugby due to a series of concussions which made continuing to play rugby not an option. Sam Beckett played a huge role in getting me involved in helping coach the backs for the 1’s and this sparked an initial passion for coaching. This influenced me to start a rugby coaching business running 1-2-1 sessions & holidays camps for young players. Alongside this, it gave me the opportunity to run a rugby podcast speaking to premiership players and a Rugby World Cup Winner in Will Greenwood. I also got the opportunity to speak to Tom Howe, a former Shiplake pupil who has gone on to have a great career for a variety of premiership clubs. The support of the rugby environment at Shiplake gave me confidence in exploring these endeavours after having to stop playing.
3. What field of sport do you work / play in?
As of now, I am at Loughborough University, studying sports & exercise psychology. After teaching & coaching last year back at Shiplake I have continued to coach rugby at Loughborough. Being a lead coach for my hall, as well as co-coaching a super series team, who have just made the final for a varsity game Vs Nottingham.
4. What was it about your chosen sport that drew you towards pursing it as a career?
I really found a new passion for rugby after having to stop playing, the support of many people around me to give me experiences in coaching and refereeing rugby made it a simple decision that this field of work is what I want to pursue. Through rugby, I have developed a keen interest in the psychology behind sports as well, which is why I am now studying a course that covers both the sports and psychology side.
5. Sport is a notoriously difficult field to break into –tell us a bit about your journey to where you are today.
It all began at Bracknell Rugby Club, through Bracknell I managed to get into County & begin playing with the London Irish Academy. Whilst at London Irish I got access to high level coaching and Strength & Conditioning which allowed me to develop at a fast rate. Getting opportunities to play for the U16’s side against the likes of Saracens, Leicester, Bristol and Exeter. Throughout this year, just before having to stop I was lucky enough to do a few sessions of pre-season with the U18’s at London Irish. Which made me realise the level you have to be at to receive a pro contract, something which I can comfortably say now wasn’t the most likely of outcomes in my case.
6. Was there ever another Sport or career that you considered or would still like to pursue?
There was! I think with coming to Shiplake trying rowing is an absolutely necessity and something I’d recommended to any current / joining Shiplake pupil. With the level of facilities and coaching Shiplake offers it’s an absolute no brainer to get involved in. I was lucky enough to compete for Shiplake at National Head of the River & National Schools Regatta along with many other regattas. Rowing gave me a different perspective and outlook towards sport due to it being very different to rugby. The hard work and commitment required to compete at the level Shiplake does is incredible and I learnt a lot of values from rowing that have remained with me outside of sport as well.
7. What skills and personal attributes do you need to have to be successful in sport?
For me, the phrase I once heard and now continue to pass on, is being a “human sponge” no matter your level or age having the ability to listen and take on advice from anyone is invaluable. Being able to accept and learn of people can only better you as a player and person, even if in the moment it is not what you want to hear. The ability to be a “human sponge” also transfers to anyway walk of life.
8. What are the biggest challenges that face your sport or your career in sport?
Without a doubt, having to stop due to concussion was the toughest period on my sporting career. As I went from being able to play week in week out with my mates, being an environment at London Irish where I felt I was developing really well, to pretty quickly knowing all of this about to stop. On top of this, I carried a bit of guilt with my situation and concussions as it was somewhat self inflicted through not being as disciplined as I could have with regards to exercises that neurologists were giving me to support and build up strength in my neck which may have allowed me to continue. All of this was tough in the moment, but I do think this has put me in a better place in the long term, in understanding the importance of respecting your body and the doors that were opened after having to stop playing.
9. Why is sport so important to society?
The values in sport carry great importance in almost every aspect of life. Being able to work as a team, learn how to be a leader, compromise and figure out conflicts with peers are all skills that are going to be a requirement throughout life. I think with the opportunities Shiplake get, despite not realising in the moment, they are building a foundation of skills like the ones I’ve just mentioned that will help post Shiplake even if they walk away from sport.
10. Who are you most inspired by in sport or outside sport?
May sound a little cliche, but my Grandad. Being an avid sportsman back in his heyday, the amount of people he met and what he learnt from sport inspires me to do similar. My cousin and I always say how he’s the definition of the bloke we want be, only caveat is he supports Spurs, which we have not followed both being Arsenal fans.
11. If there’s one piece of advice that you could give your younger self – or someone aspiring to a career in sport, what would it be?
The ability to a “human sponge”, it is a simple but I think very effective phrase that is easily remembered. I would encourage people in any scenario to ask as many questions as possible. As well, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, and learn to deal and become open to criticism. Something that may be tough at the start, but carries great power going forward in not only sport but all walks of life.
A massive thank you to James for sharing her passion for sport for the Spotlight series.
If you are an Old Viking and would be interested in sharing how you turned your passion into a career, please contact [email protected]