Thu Oct 25 15:11:43 2007

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Hackworth named U.S. men's assistant

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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Longtime United States Soccer Youth National Team coach John Hackworth was named an assistant coach of the United States Men's National Team on Wednesday.

Hackworth, who will also serve as the Developmental Academy Director in the U.S., led the U.S. U-17 National Team to the second round of two World Cups.

"John is a great addition to our coaching staff," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said. "Hes had a tremendous amount of success helping to create a framework for the player development initiatives within all of our national teams, and now that vision is being executed within the Development Academy.

"Having him on our staff, while also working directly with the technical aspects of the Academy program, is going to help us forge a very strong connection between those youth clubs all the way through the elite national team level."

After joining U.S. Soccer in 2002 and serving as an assistant under John Ellinger for more than two years, Hackworth took over the U-17 team in 2004.

In 2005, Hackworth's team finished first in their group to advance to the quarterfinals and eventually finished fifth. Two years later, the U.S. was second in its group to advance to the round of 16.

"Joining Bob Bradley's staff as that team gets focused on World Cup qualifying in 2008 is a great next step as a coach," Hackworth said. "I've known Bob for many years and we have a great connection in terms of how we see the game, both technically on the field and in the ways you can help prepare a team off the field."

The Developmental Academy was launched this fall and is designed to improve the environment for elite players throughout the country. The program emulates the successful U.S. U-17 program that Hackworth has been a part of since 2002.

The United States Men's National Team, ranked 18th in the world by FIFA, plays its final game of the year on Nov. 17 against South Africa in Johannesberg.

The U.S. begins qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa next year.