Background
James grew up in Taff"s Well, attending Gwaelod-y-Garth Primary School and Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg, Pontypridd.
James grew up in Taff"s Well, attending Gwaelod-y-Garth Primary School and Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg, Pontypridd.
He was playing for Pentyrch Rangers when talent-spotted by Cardiff City. James joined Cardiff City at under-9 level and signed his first professional contract with the club in April 2014. James made his professional debut for Cardiff against Chelsea on 11 May 2014, coming on as an 89th minute substitute for Fraizer Campbell in a 2–1 home loss.
At the end of May 2014, James was called up to the Wales under-19 team for their 2014 Union of European Football Associations European Under-19 Championship elite round matches against Belgium, Portugal and Greece James made his under-19 debut in a 3-2 defeat to Portugal.