Former Philadelphia Union coach John Hackworth has been named head coach of the US Under-17 men's national team, US Soccer announced on Wednesday.
It is Hackworth's second stint in charge of the U-17s, as he served as head coach of the team from 2004-07. He was also assistant coach of the U-17 national team 2002-04 and again this year.
“We are thrilled to have John Hackworth on board to lead the U-17 Men’s National Team,” said US Soccer technical director Jurgen Klinsmann in a statement. “John is highly respected within the US Soccer community and has experience in all levels of the game, including MLS. He has a positive coaching approach and is great at building bridges."
Hackworth served as assistant coach of the Union from 2010-12 under Peter Nowak, before replacing him as head coach during the 2012 season. He was fired in June 2014, having posted a 23-30-20 record while in charge of the Union.
US Soccer also announced the previous U-17 head coach, Richie Williams, had taken an assistant coaching position with Real Salt Lake.
