He is an American former football player and current head
coach of the Philadelphia Union in MLS.
Hackworth was born in February 5, 1970 in Dunedin, Florida. He
started as a coach and Youth Development Coordinator for the team in 2010. He
was the assistant coach with the United States national team and the head coach
of the United States U-17 men’s national football team. He also worked as the
technical director of the U.S> Soccer Federation’s Bradenton Academy.
His playing career:
John Hackworth graduated from Dunedin high school, beginning
his soccer career at Brevard College in 1989 and 1990. Then he transferred to
Wake Forest University in 1991 finishing his collegiate career in 1992.
Hackworth played many years in the United States Development Soccer League. He also
played for two years with the Carolina Crunch in this league.
Hackworth signed with Dynamo for the rest of the season of
the league A, in 1997 when he shut down Stern John during the game collected
between his amateur team against Carolina Dynamo.
But he spent most of his season as a reserve, and played one
match as the Dynamo ended runner-up in the league.
His coaching career:
John Hackworth retired from playing in 1997, but he already
had spent many years in coaching. Where he first worked as an assistant with
Wake Forest University for the women’s soccer team in 1993. Then in the next
year 1994 he became an assistant coach for the men’s team.
Hackworth signed with University of South Florida to become
the head coach in 1998, leading his team during his four years tenure to two
NCCA tournament appearances and compiled a 47-32-2 record.
Then he became assistant coach to John Ellinger to the United
States U-17 men’s national soccer team in 2002. Then he became the head coach
of the team after Ellinger moving to coach Real Salt Lake in 2004. Hackworth
coached the team at the FIFA U-17 World cup in 2005 and 2007.
Then in November 9, 2009 he signed with the expansion MLS
Philadelphia Union as coach and Youth development coordinator.
And in June 13, 2012 the Philadelphia Union announced Hackworth
the interim coach and then he becomes the head coach on August 30.