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James Belshaw
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James Michael Belshaw (born 12 October 1990) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Notts County.
Key Information
Career
[edit]Youth and college
[edit]Belshaw attended The Becket School in West Bridgford, where he captained the team to the Notts Schools Cup title in 2009.[3] He also had spells with Notts County,[4][5] Heanor Town[6] and Walsall.[7]
In 2009, Belshaw rejected a one-year professional contract with Walsall,[8] and instead moved to the United States to play college soccer at Duke University. He made 78 appearances for the Blue Devils between 2009 and 2012. During his time at Duke, Belshaw won accolades such as 2012 NSCAA All-America third team, was a two-time All-ACC first team selection, a three-time All-ACC choice, earning second team honors in 2010 and earned NSCAA All-South Region honors all four seasons.[2]
Return to England
[edit]On 22 January 2013, Belshaw was selected 49th overall in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft by Chicago Fire.[9] Belshaw was offered a contract by Chicago, but as a backup goalkeeper, so instead opted to search for first-team football back in his native England.[10]
In April 2013, Belshaw had trials with his former team Walsall,[11] as well as Everton, Notts County and Coventry City.[12]
On 31 July 2013, Belshaw signed with National League club Nuneaton Borough.[13] Following one season with Nuneaton, Belshaw moved to National League North side Tamworth where he played for three seasons.[14]
Harrogate Town
[edit]In 2017, Belshaw moved to Harrogate Town on a two-year contract,[15] where he remained first choice goalkeeper for the club. He was part of the Harrogate team that won promotion to the National League for the first time in the club's history after defeating Brackley Town in the 2018 National League North play-off final.[16] After signing a deal to keep him at the club until 2023 in January 2020,[17] Belshaw helped guide them to the Football League for the first time via the play-offs in 2020.[18]
Bristol Rovers
[edit]On 23 July 2021, Belshaw joined recently relegated fellow League Two side Bristol Rovers for an undisclosed fee on a two-year deal.[19][20] Belshaw's debut came for the club came on 10 August, in a 2–0 EFL Cup defeat to Cheltenham Town.[21] Having been a key part of Rovers' rise up the table from eighteenth on New Years Day to a promotion battle, keeping ten clean sheets in his previous fifteen appearances and becoming a firm fan favourite, Belshaw signed a new deal with the club in March 2022, keeping him at the club until June 2024.[22] In May 2022, Belshaw was awarded the PFA Community Champion award by the Bristol Rovers Community Trust for his work with the Community Trust across the course of the season including becoming the health ambassador and supporting mental health schemes.[23] With the club having achieved promotion on the final day of the season in dramatic fashion, a 7–0 victory taking the club into the final automatic promotion spot at Northampton Town's expense on goals scored,[24] Belshaw was awarded the Bristol Rovers Player of the Year Award at the end of season awards evening having kept seventeen clean sheets across the season.[25]
Following a 4–3 home defeat to Exeter City in December 2022, manager Joey Barton attributed the blame for all four goals at the door of Belshaw.[26] During the January transfer window, Rovers signed Ellery Balcombe on loan from Brentford, a clause in the loan deal stating that he had to start the first three matches of his spell in order to avoid a fee.[27] Following this three game spell, Balcombe was again selected for a home match against Ipswich Town, in which he kept a first clean sheet for the club, with Belshaw omitted from the first-team squad. Barton revealed prior to the match that with the team having been released, Belshaw's attitude in training had dropped significantly with a warning that he may never play for the club again unless things were to change.[28] His response to the situation however was sufficient for the manager and he returned to consideration.[29] He returned to the starting line-up the following week, keeping a clean sheet in a 3–0 victory away at Oxford United.[30]
The signings of goalkeepers Matthew Cox and Matthew Hall in July 2023 cast doubt upon the long-term future of Belshaw at the football club, the previous season's dispute with Barton being brought once again to the limelight.[31] Having failed to make the previous two matchday squads, it was revealed that both he and his agent had asked for transfers away from the club and he would therefore no longer be considered for selection and available for transfer.[32] With a move having failed to materialise before the transfer deadline, he made his first-team return in a 4–1 EFL Trophy victory over Cheltenham Town.[33]
On 30 September 2023, he joined League Two club Forest Green Rovers on a seven-day emergency loan.[34] He was awarded the Player of the Month award for October 2023.[35] He announced on 14 December 2023 that he was leaving the club upon the expiration of what was referred to by the club as "the longest emergency loan ever".[36] On 15 December 2023, he returned to former club Harrogate Town on a seven-day emergency loan deal.[37]
Return to Harrogate Town
[edit]On 11 January 2024, Belshaw's permanent return to Harrogate Town was confirmed, joining for an undisclosed fee.[38] He was nominated for the EFL League Two Player of the Month award for March 2024 having kept three clean sheets in six matches.[39]
In March 2025, the club triggered an extension clause in Belshaw's contract to keep him at the club for the upcoming season.[40]
Notts County
[edit]On 13 January 2026, Belshaw signed for boyhood club Notts County for an undisclosed fee, signing an 18-month deal.[41]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of 13 January 2026
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Harrogate Town | 2017–18 | National League North | 41 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — | 6[a] | 0 | 51 | 0 | |
| 2018–19[42] | National League | 45 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 4[b] | 0 | 51 | 0 | ||
| 2019–20[43] | National League | 37 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | 2[c] | 0 | 41 | 0 | ||
| 2020–21[44] | League Two | 38 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1[d] | 0 | 40 | 0 | |
| Bristol Rovers | 2021–22[45] | League Two | 42 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 47 | 0 |
| 2022–23[46] | League One | 38 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1[d] | 0 | 42 | 0 | |
| 2023–24[47] | League One | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2[d] | 0 | 2 | 0 | |
| Total | 80 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 91 | 0 | ||
| Forest Green Rovers (loan) | 2023–24[47] | League Two | 10 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 0 |
| Harrogate Town (loan) | 2023–24[47] | League Two | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Harrogate Town | 2023–24[47] | League Two | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0 |
| 2024–25[48] | League Two | 45 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 50 | 0 | |
| 2025–26[49] | League Two | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2[d] | 0 | 24 | 0 | |
| Harrogate Town total | 254 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 283 | 0 | ||
| Career total | 344 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 386 | 0 | ||
- ^ 4 appearances in FA Trophy, two appearances in National League North play-offs
- ^ 3 appearances in FA Trophy, one appearance in National League play-offs
- ^ Appearance(s) in National League play-offs
- ^ a b c d Appearance(s) in EFL Trophy
Personal life
[edit]Belshaw has supported Notts County since childhood.[4]
Belshaw is "good friends" with professional basketball player Mason Plumlee, who plays for NBA side Charlotte Hornets.[10]
Belshaw holds two degrees from Duke University in both History and Business Markets and Management.[50]
Honours
[edit]Harrogate Town
- National League play-offs: 2020[51]
- National League North play-offs: 2018[52]
- FA Trophy: 2019–20[53]
Bristol Rovers
- League Two third-place promotion: 2021–22[24]
Individual
References
[edit]- ^ "Notification of shirt numbers: Harrogate Town" (PDF). English Football League. p. 33. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ a b "James Belshaw - 2012 - Men's Soccer". goduke.com. Duke University. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "James Belshaw". mlssoccer.com. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ a b Curtis, Leigh (30 July 2020). "'All of my life' - Meet the Notts County fan trying to stop their EFL return". Nottingham Post. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "The making of James Belshaw". harrogatetownafc.com. Harrogate Town A.F.C. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "Another former Lion turns pro". www.heanortownfc.co.uk. Heanor Town F.C. 5 August 2013. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ Panter, Matt (17 May 2017). "Tamworth FC's Belshaw: 'Lining up against Lambs will be very weird'". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "New Venture For Belshaw". www.thelambs.co.uk. Tamworth F.C. 14 October 2016. Archived from the original on 19 September 2020. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "Fire Select Three Players in 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft". chicagofirefc.com. Chicago Fire FC. 22 January 2013. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ a b Badcock, Matt (26 March 2015). "James Belshaw's in a bracket with President Obama!". The Non-League Paper. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ Poole, Andrew (9 April 2013). "Walsall v Hartlepool Res - Live blog". www.saddlers.co.uk. Walsall F.C. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ Clark, Travis (8 January 2013). "Dream of pro career takes seniors abroad". TopDrawerSoccer.com. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "Nuneaton sign goalkeeper Belshaw". BBC Sport. 31 July 2013. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ Panter, Matt (16 March 2018). "Tamworth FC return for fan favourite Belshaw". Birmingham Mail. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "Belshaw Swaps Lambs For Town". Pitchero Non-League. 16 May 2017. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "Harrogate Town 3 Brackley 0: Knowles double helps Town seal historic promotion". Yorkshire Post. 13 May 2018. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ Howell, Rhys (24 January 2020). "It was an easy decision - James Belshaw pens new deal at Harrogate Town despite interest from Football League clubs". Harrogate Advertiser. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ Freeman, Jay (2 August 2020). "Harrogate win promotion to League Two". BBC Sport. Retrieved 26 September 2020.
- ^ "BELSHAW COMPLETES PERMANENT TRANSFER TO BRISTOL ROVERS". www.harrogatetownafc.com. 23 July 2021.
- ^ "James Belshaw signs for the Gas!". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 23 July 2021. Archived from the original on 23 July 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
- ^ "Bristol Rovers 0–2 Cheltenham Town". BBC Sport. 10 August 2021. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ "Belshaw Signs New Deal!". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 24 March 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- ^ "James Belshaw & Layah Douglas awarded PFA Community Champions for 2021/22". www.bristolroverscommunity.org.uk. 5 May 2022. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
- ^ a b "Bristol Rovers go up after extraordinary 7–0 win". BBC Sport. 7 May 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
- ^ a b @Official_BRFC (8 May 2022). "⏱ 3️⃣7️⃣8️⃣0️⃣ minutes 🧤 1️⃣7️⃣ clean sheets 👍 3️⃣8️⃣8️⃣7️⃣0️⃣1️⃣ thumbs up 🏆 Your 2021/22 Bristol Rovers Player of the Year is @jbelly31! #BristolRovers" (Tweet). Retrieved 9 May 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ Frost, Sam (29 December 2022). "Joey Barton says the buck stops with James Belshaw as Bristol Rovers concede four against Exeter". Bristol Post. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ^ Frost, Sam (3 February 2023). "Joey Barton reveals Brentford's selection clause in Ellery Balcombe's Bristol Rovers deal". Bristol Post. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ^ Piercy, James (14 February 2023). "Joey Barton warns James Belshaw that he may never play for Bristol Rovers again". Bristol Post. Retrieved 15 February 2023.
- ^ Frost, Sam (16 February 2023). "Joey Barton draws a line under Belshaw situation with goalkeeper up for Bristol Rovers selection". Bristol Post. Retrieved 18 February 2023.
- ^ Frost, Sam (25 February 2023). "Joey Barton explains decision as James Belshaw returns to Bristol Rovers' starting XI vs Oxford". Bristol Post. Retrieved 25 February 2023.
- ^ Piercy, James (27 July 2023). "James Belshaw's Bristol Rovers future hangs in the balance but it's been that way for some time". Bristol Post. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
- ^ Jones, Jordan (16 August 2023). "Joey Barton explains James Belshaw absence amid Bristol Rovers transfer exit talk". Bristol World. Retrieved 16 August 2023.
- ^ "Match Report | Rovers 4–1 Cheltenham". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 5 September 2023. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
- ^ "James Belshaw Loan Deal". www.bristolrovers.co.uk. 30 September 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
- ^ "Belshaw wins Quorn Star of the Month". www.fgr.co.uk. 1 November 2023. Retrieved 7 November 2023.
- ^ @jbelly31 (14 December 2023). "Massive thank you to everyone at @FGRFC_Official for the past few weeks! Great people and a fantastic club. I wish you all the best for the future! 💚🖤" (Tweet). Retrieved 14 December 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Belshaw joins on emergency loan!". www.harrogatetownafc.com. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
- ^ "Belshaw completes permanent return!". www.harrogatetownafc.com. 11 January 2024. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ "Sky Bet League Two: Manager & Player of the Month nominees". www.efl.com. 9 April 2024. Retrieved 13 April 2024.
- ^ "Belshaw signs up for 2025/26 season". www.harrogatetownafc.com. 10 April 2025. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
- ^ "Notts County sign Harrogate goalkeeper Belshaw". BBC. 13 January 2026. Retrieved 13 January 2026.
- ^ "Games played by James Belshaw in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
- ^ "Games played by James Belshaw in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
- ^ "Games played by James Belshaw in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
- ^ "Games played by James Belshaw in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ^ "Games played by James Belshaw in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 19 January 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Games played by James Belshaw in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 2 October 2023.
- ^ "Games played by James Belshaw in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- ^ "Games played by James Belshaw in 2025/2026". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- ^ Unwin, Will (6 September 2024). "James Belshaw: the goalkeeper with two degrees and a second world war thesis". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ "National League promotion final: Harrogate Town 3–1 Notts County". BBC Sport. 2 August 2020. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
- ^ "Harrogate and Braintree reach National League after winning play-off finals". BBC Sport. 13 May 2018. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
- ^ Law, James (3 May 2021). "FA Trophy final 2019-20: Concord Rangers 0-1 Harrogate Town". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
External links
[edit]- Duke Bio
- Harrogate Town Bio Archived 31 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine
- James Belshaw at Soccerway
James Belshaw
View on GrokipediaEarly life and education
Early life
James Belshaw was born on 12 October 1990 in Nottingham, England.[7] He grew up in the Clifton area of the city.[8] Belshaw attended The Becket School in nearby West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, where he demonstrated early leadership in sports by captaining the school football team to victory in the South Notts Schools Cup in 2009.[9] He also guided the team to the Nottingham Schools County Cup final that year, showcasing his developing skills as a goalkeeper.[2] Beyond football, Belshaw's early years were marked by strong academic influences, achieving 10 A*s and two As at GCSE level and three As at A-level, reflecting a keen interest in subjects like history and biomedical sciences.[3] These pursuits shaped his non-sporting development in Nottingham, where he considered paths such as medical school before fully committing to football.[3]Youth career
Belshaw's involvement in organized youth football began at a young age with the Notts County centre of excellence, where he trained as a promising goalkeeper until the program was disbanded.[3][8] Following the closure of Notts County's youth setup, Belshaw joined Heanor Town on youth terms in the summer of 2006, playing in local and Sunday league matches.[10] His performances earned him the Heanor Town FC Young Player of the Year award in 2008, recognizing his development and consistency between the posts.[2] In 2009, Belshaw moved to Walsall's academy, spending much of the season training with the club and even sitting on the bench for League One matches without making a first-team appearance.[11] At the end of the campaign, Walsall offered him a one-year professional contract, but Belshaw rejected it to pursue higher education and soccer at Duke University in the United States, prioritizing a balanced path that combined athletic and academic growth.[11]College career
Belshaw attended Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, from 2009 to 2012, where he pursued dual degrees in history and business markets and management studies.[3] For his history degree, he wrote a thesis on SS guards in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.[3] As a history major, he maintained a 3.5 GPA and earned recognition on the All-ACC Academic Team for his academic performance.[12] During his four-year tenure with the Duke Blue Devils men's soccer team, Belshaw appeared in 77 matches as a goalkeeper, starting all of them and recording 21 career shutouts, which ranks third in program history.[13] He served as a two-year team captain and was instrumental in the team's defensive efforts, including eight shutouts in his senior season of 2012, tying for eighth in Duke's single-season records.[14] That year, Belshaw earned All-ACC first-team honors, NSCAA All-South Region first-team selection, and a spot on the 2012 NSCAA All-America third team for his standout play.[2] Following his college career, Belshaw was selected 49th overall in the third round of the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft by the Chicago Fire.[15] Despite the opportunity, he chose to decline a contract offer and return to England to pursue professional soccer closer to home.[3]Professional career
Early professional career
Upon returning from his college career at Duke University in the United States, James Belshaw signed a professional contract with National League club Nuneaton Town in July 2013.[16] The 22-year-old goalkeeper, who had previously trained with Walsall and trialed at Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer, joined the club after impressing in pre-season friendlies and bringing experience from representing Great Britain at the World University Games.[16] During the 2013–2014 season, Belshaw established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for Nuneaton Town in the Conference Premier, making 31 appearances across league and cup competitions.[17] His performances provided stability in goal for a side that finished 17th in the table, avoiding relegation while adapting to the demands of full-time professional football in England's fifth tier.[18] In July 2014, Belshaw transferred to National League North club Tamworth on a free transfer, where he became a regular starter over the next three seasons.[19] Accumulating 117 appearances between 2014 and 2017, he played a pivotal role in the team's defensive efforts, earning recognition as a fan favourite for his consistent shot-stopping and command of the penalty area during competitive matches in the sixth tier.[17][20] Belshaw's reliability helped Tamworth maintain mid-table stability, including notable displays in fixtures against promotion-chasing sides where his saves proved crucial to earning points.[21]Harrogate Town (first spell)
Belshaw joined Harrogate Town in July 2017 from National League North side Tamworth on an initial two-year contract, becoming the club's first-choice goalkeeper as they transitioned to full-time professional status.[22] His reliability between the posts provided a solid foundation for the team during a period of rapid progression in the non-league pyramid. In the 2017–18 season, Belshaw played a pivotal role in Harrogate's promotion to the National League, the highest level of non-league football, via the play-offs; he made crucial interventions, including a full-length save and a block on Aaron Williams, during the 3–0 victory over Brackley Town in the final at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground.[23] The following campaigns saw him extend his contract and continue as the mainstay, contributing to the club's competitive standing in the National League with consistent performances that underscored his shot-stopping and distribution skills. Belshaw's tenure reached its zenith in the curtailed 2019–20 season, where he started in the National League play-off final against Notts County at Wembley Stadium, helping secure a 3–1 win that propelled Harrogate into EFL League Two for the first time in their history.[24] He was also part of the squad that claimed the 2020 FA Trophy, defeating Concord Rangers 1–0 in the final played in May 2021, though he remained an unused substitute in that match.[25] Over his four seasons with the club, Belshaw made 184 appearances across all competitions.[26]Bristol Rovers
James Belshaw joined Bristol Rovers on 23 July 2021, signing a two-year contract after departing Harrogate Town.[27][28] He quickly established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, making 89 appearances across three seasons in League Two and League One.[29] During the 2021–22 season, Belshaw played a pivotal role in Bristol Rovers' promotion to League One, featuring in 42 league matches as the team finished as runners-up in League Two.[30][3] His consistent performances, including 16 clean sheets, were instrumental in the club's successful campaign under manager Joey Barton. In September 2023, Belshaw was loaned to Forest Green Rovers on an initial seven-day emergency deal following an injury to their goalkeeper, which was later extended; he made 10 appearances in League Two during the spell.[31][29][32] Later that year, in December 2023, he returned to former club Harrogate Town on a brief emergency loan, appearing in six matches amid their goalkeeping issues.[33][34] Belshaw was released by Bristol Rovers at the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, bringing an end to his tenure at the Memorial Stadium.[35]Return to Harrogate Town
On 11 January 2024, James Belshaw rejoined Harrogate Town on a permanent basis from Bristol Rovers for an undisclosed fee, signing an 18-month contract.[35] This move marked his return to the club where he had previously thrived, building on his prior familiarity from an earlier spell and a short loan in late 2023.[36] By August 2024, Belshaw had made 55 appearances across all competitions during this second stint, establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper in EFL League Two.[6] Belshaw's performances have been pivotal, with notable key saves underscoring his importance to the team's defensive efforts. For instance, in December 2024, he saved a last-minute penalty to secure a 1-1 draw against Fleetwood Town, a moment he attributed to backing a "hunch" on the penalty direction.[37] Earlier that year, in October 2024, he produced an incredible stop during a match that highlighted his shot-stopping ability. These interventions have helped Harrogate Town maintain competitiveness in the league. In April 2025, an appearance-related clause in Belshaw's contract was triggered, extending his stay with the club until the end of the 2025–26 season.[38] This development, announced on 10 April, reflected his consistent contributions and commitment to Harrogate Town amid interest from other Football League clubs.[39] As of November 2025, Belshaw continues to serve as the primary goalkeeper, anchoring the side in League Two.[6]Personal life and community work
Personal life
Belshaw has been a lifelong supporter of his boyhood club Notts County, having grown up attending matches with his family and spending nine years in their academy system before its closure.[40] Despite this allegiance, he has professionally faced the club on multiple occasions, including in the 2020 National League play-off final.[3] During his time at Duke University, Belshaw formed a close friendship with fellow student-athlete Mason Plumlee, who later became an NBA player for teams including the Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets.[41] The two bonded over their shared dedication to sports in Duke's competitive environment, with Belshaw introducing Plumlee to following Notts County.[42] Following the start of his professional career in England, Belshaw established his family life in the UK, currently residing in Yorkshire near Harrogate Town's base.[3] He is married and has a young daughter named Isla, with whom he spends holidays reading books on topics like African footballers.[3]Community involvement
During his time at Bristol Rovers, James Belshaw served as a health ambassador for the Bristol Rovers Community Trust, volunteering to support mental health provisions and engaging directly with young supporters through various outreach initiatives.[43] His efforts included participating in mental health events, where he shared personal insights to promote awareness and provide encouragement to participants.[44] Belshaw also contributed to the 'Rebound The Rovers' mental health project, joining panel discussions with professionals and former players, and helping raise funds for local mental health charities in the Bristol area.[44] These activities underscored his commitment to community welfare, earning him the PFA Community Champion Award for the 2021–22 season, presented on April 30, 2022, in recognition of his professionalism and impact on health-related programs.[43] He received the award again for the 2022–23 season, highlighting sustained involvement in fan engagement and charitable causes.[44] Upon returning to Harrogate Town in 2024, Belshaw continued his community efforts by providing coaching expertise to young players in the club's Player Development Centre, which supports nearly 300 boys and girls aged U9 to U16 across local venues, focusing on talent nurturing and fostering enthusiasm for football.[45] This role aligns with broader club initiatives in youth development and community engagement, where he has helped deliver high-quality sessions to promote skill-building and inclusivity in the sport.[45] Throughout his EFL career, Belshaw has prioritized such programs to connect with supporters and address social issues like mental well-being, demonstrating a consistent dedication to off-field impact.[46]Career statistics and honours
Career statistics
James Belshaw's career statistics highlight his progression from college soccer to professional football in the English non-league and Football League systems. During his four seasons at Duke University from 2009 to 2012, he made 80 appearances as the starting goalkeeper, conceding 124 goals while recording 21 clean sheets, contributing to a career goals against average of 1.32.[2] In his professional career, Belshaw has amassed over 520 appearances across all competitions, with notable contributions in clean sheets and league play. The table below summarizes his aggregate statistics by club, including league, cup, and play-off appearances.| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nuneaton Town | 2013–14 | 34 | Not available | Not available |
| Tamworth | 2014–17 | 120 | 159 | 28 |
| Harrogate Town (first spell) | 2017–21 | 158 | Not available | Not available |
| Bristol Rovers | 2021–23 | 91 | 119 | 26 |
| Forest Green Rovers (loan) | 2023–24 | 10 | 17 | 2 |
| Harrogate Town (second spell) | 2023–present | 87 | Not available | Not available |
| Season | Club | League Appearances | Goals Conceded | Clean Sheets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–14 | Nuneaton Town | 31 | Not available | Not available |
| 2014–15 | Tamworth | 45 | Not available | Not available |
| 2015–16 | Tamworth | 42 | Not available | Not available |
| 2016–17 | Tamworth | 33 | Not available | Not available |
| 2017–18 | Harrogate Town | 43 | Not available | Not available |
| 2018–19 | Harrogate Town | 45 | 60 | 12 |
| 2019–20 | Harrogate Town | 37 | Not available | 14 |
| 2020–21 | Harrogate Town | 38 | 46 | 11 |
| 2021–22 | Bristol Rovers | 42 | 42 | 17 |
| 2022–23 | Bristol Rovers | 38 | 59 | 8 |
| 2023–24 | Forest Green Rovers (loan) | 10 | 17 | 2 |
| 2023–24 | Harrogate Town | 26 | 40 | 7 |
| 2024–25 | Harrogate Town | 45 | 58 | 11 |
| 2025–26* | Harrogate Town | 14 | 21 | 4 |
