How keen was he to skate?
James regularly skated at Rollers in Peterborough and Milton Keynes, Roller City at Southend, Rollerbury – Bury St Edmonds and Roller World Colchester.
He wanted to skate all of the time – his favourite was ‘side surfing’ and all the mums and dads used to watch in awe as he was only four at the time.

How was he introduced to Roller Hockey?
Ricky Childs, a Houghton Regis player used to watch him at Dunstable and suggested he try Roller Hockey, easier said than done! There were no local clubs for youngsters to go to, then we were told about Keith Allen and the Letchworth Roller Hockey Club.   To start with James wasn’t interested but his sister Tanya decided she would like to try.   After watching for a couple of weeks he changed his mind and plucked up the courage to have a go, and that was how it all started.

Is James interested in other sports?
Yes he is an all rounder – good at Football, Tennis, Badminton & Rugby.
For a while James all but quit Roller Hockey finding more of a challenge with Football.
During this period he was invited for trials for Oxford and Watford.

How many Roller Hockey Clubs has he played for?
From the age of eight James trained three times a week and has played for the following clubs- Letchworth, Pontypridd ( Wales), Welland, Manchester, Hatfield, then back to Letchworth. During his time at Manchester Roller Hockey Club James travelled a 330 mile round trip to train with Paul Colton.

Which coaches have influenced him most?
Without doubt his current trainer Carlos Amaral has had the greatest influence at both Hatfield and Letchworth.   Other trainers who have worked with James to help him achieve his current level are Peter Gibson, Billy Kelly, Artie Corr, Paul Colton, Jordi Casas, Jorge Cosme and Kos Galtos.

What are his most memorable achievements?

• At the age of 8 James went on tour to Spain with Manchester Roller Hockey club. Based at Lloret De Mar, the minors team played nine matches across Catalunia winning six and beating CH Igualada by 9 goals to six.
• Attended Summer Hockey Campus at Club Pati Vic in Northern Spain two years running where he became friendly with many of the young Spanish players who have now become international players.
• From Minors to Junior the teams James has played in have enjoyed success over the years and been awarded many cups and medals.
• In addition James was named NRHA Intermediate Player of the year 98-99 and NRHA Schoolboy Player of the year 2001- 2002

Representing England. 2001-2002
James has represented his country both as a Schoolboy and Senior player.
He was encouraged by Kos Galtos to make the journey in October 2001 to the European Youth Championships held in Alcobaca Portugal then early this year (2002) to the under 18 World Championships , Vina del Mar, Chile.
In Alcobaca James captained the team to 7^th place whereas in Chile the team achieved an all time best placing of 4^th in the world.

More recently he joined the senior team coached by Carlos Amaral when they took part in the European Championships held in the wonderful Italian city of Florence (July 2002). Again the team played very well with James scoring goals against France, Germany, Austria & Holland. England finished in 6^th overall, their highest placing for many years.

In September 2002 James will take his place with the England team at the European Junior Championships to be held in Folonica Italy, within one year he will have represented England at Schoolboy, Junior and senior levels.

How did he feel about his move to Portugal?
James felt a bit strange when the offer was made; up until then he had never dreamt anything like this would happen to him.   Carlos Amaral started the chain of events by setting up a trial in Portugal with Fernando Falle the Club Infante de Sagres senior coach.   His progress was monitored throughout the European Championships and an offer made by Vasco Rocha President of the club for him to join their junior team in October this year.

Now for some personal questions:
What is your favourite meal?
At the moment it’s Thai Green Curry, but for years it’s been Veal Escalope with spaghetti & tomato sauce

What’s your favourite film?
Difficult to choose between Scar face or Money Talks

What’s your best achievement so far?
With the exception of joining Club Infante Sagres it would have to be winning the National Schoolboys Cup 5 years in a row

Do you have a pet?
Yes we have a dog; I think dogs make great pets.