James Byles was with Norwich City's centre of excellence since the age of 8 until the age of 13 when he was released. Along with twn brother Richard, James was signed by Colin Watts. Both were defenders with James playing at centre-back. James joined Ipswich's academy but was released at the age of 15.

The twins' claim to fame is that in one year they were part of a team that won the Norwich Schools cup and league double (for Sprowston Middle School) the Youth Football league cup and league double (for Old Catton) and the Norwich Cub Scout cup and league double (under Mike Haige). James captained all teams. They were also playing for Norwich City Academy that year, spasmodically, as it was the year the club almost went bust and Gordon Bennett tried to get them as many games as he could but unusually for that year, allowed them to play for local clubs.

James is now at Nottingham University studying architecture.