Atlanta United’s man between the sticks Brad Guzan already has one eye on his next move off the field.
Guzan, who joined Atlanta in 2017, is half-way through the MSc Football Business program at the Global Institute of Sport. By studying online, the part-time nature of the course allows Guzan to commit his time to future career aspirations when he’s not taking on the finest the MLS has to offer.
Asked why he chose his program and GIS to further his sports industry education, Guzan said: “I chose Football Business to help me prepare for a career after I finish playing so that I could stay connected to the game that I love.”
“I’m not ready to hang up my gloves yet, so the option to prepare my next move whilst still playing at the highest level was hugely important to me. That’s why I chose to study at GIS - it just made sense.”
After making his name in the MLS at Chivas USA, Guzan then spent the next decade in England, playing in the Premier League with Aston Villa where he battled with fellow American Brad Friedel to become Villa’s number one. Following a brief loan spell at Hull City, Guzan signed for Middlesbrough in 2016 before heading back to the US and Atlanta the following year.
During his time in Georgia, Guzan has helped steer Atlanta to success in the MLS Cup, US Open Cup and Campeones. Guzan has also earned 64 caps playing for the US National Team, winning three CONCACAF Gold Cups along the way.
Now 39, Guzan is thinking of his career post-playing, and is delighted he chose GIS to help him stay connected to the global sports industry.
Guzan said: “The course has been a real eye opener for me in terms of understanding some of what goes on in the business of football, from sponsorship deals and fan engagement, to game day operations”
“After being in the game for 20 years now, it’s amazing to still discover new aspects about a sport I love and look at ways I can continue to make an impact in football after I finish playing.”
Guzan isn’t the only current or former professional athlete that has chosen to prepare for their next career move by studying at GIS.
Former GIS students include Premier League, MLS and Socceroos stars, including Toronto FC’s Tsubasa Endoh as well as Team GB’s gold medal winning hockey hero Shona McCallin MBE who has signed up to study the MSc International Sport Management program from September 2024.
For current athletes like Guzan, our global online program are flexible and allow students to study and prepare for their next role wherever in the world they are competing.
Learn more about GIS' range of sports Master's degrees.
Article by Neil Hawkins
