The notable names and influence of Union manager John Hackworth's coaching career

Hackworth coaching at YSC

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Greg Carroccio

The number continues to rise.

It will likely rise some more.

And then keep trending upward some more.

Who knows what the barometer will eventually be?

That’s the impact Philadelphia Union manager John Hackworth has had on young soccer players coming up through the ranks and eventually playing in Major League Soccer. Hackworth has worn so many hats through the years that his presence will certainly reverberate through the league for quite some time.

After all, Hackworth spent two years as an assistant to former U.S. men’s national team head coach Bob Bradley. Hackworth also served as the Development Academy Technical Director in U.S. Soccer’s player development initiative that launched in 2007.

Watch: The Journey of John Hackworth

Before joining the U.S. Men’s National Team, Hackworth spent more than six years with the U.S. Under-17 Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. He was the head coach of the ’05 and ’07 U-17 World Cup teams and an assistant coach on the ’03 U-17 World Cup team.

Some of the players he mentored included Michael Bradley, Jonathan Spector, Jozy Altidore and Brek Shea among others. Hackworth also worked with the likes of Gabriel Farfan, Michael Farfan, Sheanon Williams, Zac MacMath and Danny Cruz.

Hackworth was a college coach for nine years – four as the head coach of the University of South Florida and five years as the top assistant at Wake Forest.

Get the point?

Now that he’s beginning his first full season as a head coach/manager in MLS, his impact goes way back.

“I think coach Hackworth is so respected by all of us because of how he works, but also because most of us have known him for so long and we respect him,” said Michael Farfan. “He’s very organized and he’s respectful. He knows what he wants to do and he’ll work as hard as possible to get it done.”

Williams echoed similar thoughts.

“I think we all know where we stand with coach Hack and that’s huge,” Williams said. “He talks to us every step of the way and tells us what he expects from us. Communication is very important. Knowing him for as long as I have, I think it’s great to play for him because of that history. I think any player would want to play for him and it’s not a shock to see so many players improve and get to this level because of the work coach Hack put in.”

Just glance at the rosters throughout MLS.

You’ll see Hackworth’s influence across the landscape of the league.

“I have enjoyed every step of the way coaching and working with these players,” Hackworth said recently. “I’ve gotten to know so many of these players on a professional and personal level and from that, you build relationships. I’ve always tried to treat people with respect. As a head coach now, I go about my business the same way.

“It is cool to see so many players who crossed paths with me. It’s a small world. When you get an e-mail or see them in person, it’s very cool. I’m doing what I love and that’s to coach. If a player say they improved because of my help, well, that makes me feel really good.

“My job now is to do the best possible job with the Philadelphia Union and to coach the guys on this club. That’s where all my focus is going to be.”

Hackworth’s first full season will begin March 2 against Sporting Kansas City at PPL Park.

Hackworth player registry

A sampling of notable players coached by John Hackworth that have gone on to the professional ranks

Contact Union writer Andy Jasner at andy.jasner@yahoo.com