James played at Leeds Met. University, England for 3 years and became involved as a coach in the program during his final year. He was awarded University Colours for Sporting Excellence in 2000 and was on a team that won the BUSA (British Universities Sports Association) Shield.

Before playing at Leeds Met. University ,James played in England for Cheshire and Ashville.

He first came to the USA to coach with a local soccer company during his summer months off from University.  In 2006 he was appointed the Head Coach of the Council Rock North Boys Soccer Program, and guided them to the PIAA  AAA state championship in his first year as Head Coach.

James was also the Head Coach of the Boys and Girls Soccer Programs at William Tennent High School, During his first year as Head Coach of the girls program they won a league title and made their first ever appearance in the PIAA state tournament.

In his first roles at FC Bucks, James was the Coordinator of player development for the u4 - u8 age groups and Coached the FC Bucks Fusion ECNL 99/00 group. The team won two state championships before the Club entered the ECNL league. College Commits from the ECNL 99/00 team included Notre Dame, Duke, Columbia, Colgate, St. Joes, Brown, Bucknell, Holy Family, Scranton, Haverford, and Columbia.