Always Fight for Your Place: Interview with James Bolton, Defender for Shrewsbury Town.

In this episode of the Leader Manager Coach Podcast, Rob Ryles talks to James Bolton, the defender for Shrewsbury Town Football team. James shares today some stories about his personal life and his football career. Just like any pro football players, James dedicated his time and energy to improving himself every day. At the age of 24, it's incredible how far he has reached. He says that if not for the people around him (his family, his coaches, etc.), his focus and determination would die down.  Fight for your place, this is just one among the nuggets of wisdom he shares for any young aspirants out there. Discover what got him to where he is now and more when you tune in. KEY TAKEAWAYS James almost gave up with his passion for playing football when he was released from Stoke City academy. Thanks to his support of the people from his surroundings, especially his dad, he continued doing what he loved. Patience is vital. It takes time to be a pro and to be on top. James recalls the time feeling quite restless but very hopeful moving from a substitute to being a starter.  His advice for every player is to have determination, discipline, and patience. Do whatever that needs to be done. Go to trainings regularly. Improve yourself. Everyone successful pro went through the journey. The support and belief that his coach gives are enough to make him work hard every day and give his best performance in every match. James can play in different positions. So, it has helped his skills evolved, and also helped the team whenever they need to switch things up in the line-up. James' dad's advice for other parents of aspiring footballers: “Don't put them into too much pressure and don't expect too much. Give them encouragement when you can.” BEST MOMENTS “There will be smooth patches, and there will be rough patches.” “You just got to be true to yourself. You just got to keep doing the right things.” “I'm not the most gifted player, but I do work hard and honest.” “Don't see things as a chore… have a change in mentality and mindset.” ABOUT THE GUEST James Bolton is a young player establishing himself in English professional football. His career began as a youngster at Stoke City academy before being released at sixteen. Despite considering another career James got a scholarship at Macclesfield Town before signing professional. The next phase of his journey saw him being loaned out to clubs like Halifax Town, Gateshead and Workington where he learned to play as he describes in his own words ‘against men.' James has built on this invaluable experience and has already featured in playoff finals and F. A. Cup games against Premier League opposition.  He is currently plying his trade with Shrewsbury Town ABOUT THE HOST Rob Ryles is a UEFA qualified coach with a League Managers Association qualification and a science and medicine background. He has worked in the football industry in Europe, USA and Africa; at International, Premiership, League, Non-League and grassroots levels with both World Cup and European Championship experience. CONTACT METHOD Rob's Facebook Rob's LinkedIn  LEARN MORE HERE Football, coach: https://www.patreon.com/robryles Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.