Andy began training and coaching in 1999. Since then he has used his strong playing and coaching background to bring tremendous success to his teams, clubs and individual players. This has come in the shape of countless tournament wins, CSL promotions and individual improvement in his players in all facets of the game.
Growing up in Newcastle, England, Andy soon realised his passion for the game and started playing competitively at age 7. A goalkeeper for his whole career, Andy appeared for several clubs as well as his school, area and county teams, captaining the majority of them. From there he made his way into the England Schoolboys setup and also the professional ranks, with both his hometown team Newcastle United, and Huddersfield Town among others. During his time in the UK Andy was fortunate to work under some of the best coaches, including Simon Smith, John Carver, Martin Thomas and Mervyn Day. He was also fortunate enough to train alongside top goalkeepers including boyhood idol Pavel Srnicek, Shay Given and Shaka Hislop.
Moving to the States in 1999 Andy enjoyed success almost instantly, winning a National Championship with Nomads and a Surf Cup Super Group with Claremont Stars in his only few months of u19 club eligibility. He also played for Santa Anita Heat, the club with which he was coaching at the time, in the famed Dallas Cup tournament super group, coming up against the likes of West Ham United (eng), Monterrey (mex), and Deportivo Cali (col). After stints with several semi pro teams including San Pedro Croat and Foothill Flyers, Andy decided to dedicate his time to coaching. Again Andy was privileged to work with top coaches as he was introduced to the American game, notably Derek Armstrong, Clint Greenwod and Carlos Juarez.
As mentioned previously, Andy began coaching under Clint Greenwood at Santa Anita Soccer Club, and credits Clint with a lot his abilities as a coach/trainer and also pushing him to pursue it as a career. After three years there Andy moved to OJSC in Orange County, where he coached several teams to success, and also served as their goalkeeper coach, over a four year span. When the call came from Clint Greenwood to join him at SCU however, Andy didn't hesitate to make the move and be reunited with his friend and mentor. Success at all age groups and levels followed, aswell as running skills clinics and the Goalkeeping program. He currently coaches for the AC Milan Academy in Santa Clarita, along with running his own academy and camps.
Andy has also worked with many other clubs and organizations in a part time capacity over the course of his coaching career, developing his technical training methods and ideas, influenced by several succesful individuals and adding his own twists and personality. Andy was passionate and fiercely competitive as a player and that has followed him into his coaching, where he believes teaching his players to compete and learn to win plays a major role in development. While preaching a defense first mentality, Andy also encourages creativity and attractive play from his players. Goalkeeping wise, he is a stickler for technique, demanding perfection, and also encourages his goalkeepers to make the game easy by communicating to prevent chances and to be well positioned. Andy is currently working towards several licenses and diplomas including the NSCAA national goalkeeping diploma.
