James Dugdale is a lecturer at Edinburgh Napier University since October 2021, following a role as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Stirling where focus was on developing the Soccer PDP talent identification and development platform. Academic achievements include earning a PhD in Sports and Exercise from the University of Stirling, complemented by a Master of Science in Performance Coaching and a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Science. Previous experiences encompass various strength and conditioning coaching roles, including Head of Academy Football Science & Medicine at Falkirk Football Club, alongside internships with the English Institute of Sport and sportscotland. James Dugdale has also contributed to undergraduate education as a seminar leader and held positions involving fitness coaching and sports management at multiple institutions.