Andy Guard

Andy Guard PhD has a wide range of work experience in the field of sports science. Starting from 2008, they worked as a Football Coach at UK-Elite-Soccer for a brief period. In 2009, they served as a Volunteer Youth Team Match Analyst at Hull City and also provided Sport Science and Performance Analysis support at Scunthorpe United Football Club. From 2010 to 2015, Andy worked with Celtic Football Club, initially as a Sports Science Intern, then as a Development Squad Sport Scientist, and finally as a First Team Sport Scientist. During this time, they gained significant experience in daily monitoring and analysis, hydration/nutrition, strength and conditioning, and GPS implementation. In 2015, Andy served as a Physiologist for the Qatar Football team and also as a Football Physiologist at Aspire Academy. From 2016 to 2022, they joined the U.S. Soccer Federation, where they held the role of National Teams Sports Scientist and later transitioned to the role of Applied Sports Scientist, specifically supporting the U.S. Senior WNT, U23, and U19 Women's National Teams, as well as the NWSL women's professional league. Currently, starting from 2022, they serve as the Head of Sports Science at Atlanta United FC.

Andy Guard PhD received their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sports Science from the University of Glasgow, where they studied from 2012 to 2016. Prior to that, they obtained their MSc in Sports Science (Physiology and Performance in Football) from the University of Hull, where they attended from 2009 to 2011. Andy also holds a BA (Hons) degree in Sport from Durham University, where they studied from 2006 to 2009. As for their secondary education, they attended St Albans School from 1999 to 2006.

In addition to their academic degrees, Andy has obtained several certifications. Andy is an Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist from BASESUK, which they obtained in April 2021. Andy also completed the ALTIS Foundation Course from Altis in July 2020. In December 2018, they earned the ISAK Level 1 Anthropometrist certification from The International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK). Furthermore, they are a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), which they obtained in December 2014. Lastly, they completed the FMS Level 1 certification from Functional Movement Systems in June 2013.