Non-League and Academy football writer

James Briggs is one of the most technically gifted players who currently plays their football at step 6 of the non-League system, in my opinion. Briggs has played for clubs such as Stansted, Clapton FC, and Enfield FC, in the past, and he is a player who has a lot of experience in non-League football. Having been with Clapton Community, his current club, since they were playing in the Middlesex League, James Briggs has made a really good impression on their men’s first team, and he is a real fan favourite at the Old Spotted Dog Ground. I recently caught up with James, to look back on some of his journey in non-League football, as well as his time at Clapton Community, so far.

Could you talk me through a bit about your background in football, prior to joining Clapton Community?

James: I previous played for Clapton FC, when I was 19, so over ten years ago now. I later went to Wadham Lodge, for a short while, and then Enfield FC. I was doing well at Enfield for a couple of seasons, and then the manager left, and I left with him. I then went to Barkingside with the old Clapton manager, Mike Walther. And I was at Barkingside for a couple of seasons, when I got an offer from Stansted, who were then at the top end of the Essex Senior League. I was there for three years, winning a couple of trophies with the club, and also finishing second in the Essex Senior League, as well. Then after COVID, I left Stansted, which was when I started to train with Clapton Community, joining our manager Geoff Ocran, at the club. And I’ve been with Clapton Community ever since.

Have there been any footballers that you have looked up to, to try and model your game on/around?

James: As I was growing up I used to play as a striker, and so my idol growing up was Dennis Bergkamp, and so I tried to play a bit like him, and I always used to wear the number ten shirt, because of him. Then moving into the central midfield position, I used to look up to Steven Gerrard, and then as I’ve got older and more experienced, I’ve looked up to players like Andrea Pirlo, who use their brain more than anything else.

Could you talk me through some of your memories of playing for Clapton Community, so far?

James: The cup final (Alec Smith Premier Division Cup) that we won against Kensington Dragons, will always be one of my best memories. Being two down in that final, to then getting back to 2-2 and then winning it on penalties, that will always standout. Also, winning the Middlesex League Premier Division during the next season, and my volleyed goal against CB Hounslow, are some other favourite memories of mine. It was a free-kick (from distance) which hit the wall, before the ball came back to me, and I volleyed it into the goal off my left foot. That goal ended up going viral in different countries.

Could you talk me through a bit about the season so far (2024/25) with Clapton Community in the SCEFL Division One?

James: It’s been a bit of an up and down season, both for me personally and for the team. We’ve all had to get used to a new league and also travelling to south London  with all of the traffic restraints, so it’s been difficult for us to have consistent team, because of availability. When we were in the Thurlow Nunn League, the travel wasn’t too difficult, but now we’ve all got to work around everything. We’ve now got used to the league, but we’ve got to be more consistent in our performances, and win games, which is the main thing. Forest Hill Park (SE Dons) have done well so far, but I’d say that a lot of the teams in this league are a bit different to those in the Thurlow Nunn League. Because the pace of the games feel faster in this league (the SCEFL Division One), compared to other leagues, where there are more older and experienced players, whereas there’s a lot more younger players in our league.

What have been some of your standout memories from your footballing journey, so far?

James: I’ve won silverware at every club that I’ve been at, so that’s always been a good thing, and a real standout. Also, playing at Leyton Orient’s ground with the old Clapton, that was really good, with all of the fans coming down there to watch that friendly game.

What are some of your memories of playing in the Middlesex League with Clapton Community?

James: I enjoyed playing in that league, which is a really good league, with good players. I was actually surprised at the level of the league, and how good it actually was. After moving up to step six last season, I didn’t think that the level was actually any different, if only being a bit more organised at that level. Playing against FC Soma (now Camden United) was always a good battle, as they were a real footballing team. I remember one of the games that we played them in, and we won 6-4, in what was a really tough game. I also think that the 6-4 win against FC Soma was actually Josh Adejokun’s last game for the club. Also, playing against Pitshanger Dynamo, Kensington Dragons, and Brentham, they were always good battles.

What has been your favourite goal that you have scored in non-League football, so far?

James: It was definitely my volley against CB Hounslow. But, I also scored a goal for the old Clapton (against Athletic Newham), which was a goal on the half-volley from distance, but back then no one was filming the games.

Who has been the most difficult team that you faced (for their quality) during this season?

James: The most difficult game that I’ve been involved in so far this season, was our home league fixture with Soul Tower Hamlets. They were really good, and they had a lot of good players playing for them, and the game was played at a really good intensity. It finished 1-1, but they are the team who have impressed me the most so far this season.

For those who haven’t seen you play, could you describe to me what type of player you are?

James: I’m a technical central midfielder, with a good range of passing, both short and long. And, I’m very good at set-pieces.

What are some of your hopes and aims for the remainder of this season (2024/25) with Clapton Community?

James: Hopefully we can get into the play-offs, which is our main aim at the moment, and then hopefully we can go from there and get promoted to step 5 for next season.