Gordon Jago, a legendary figure in Dallas’ soccer scene, has died at the age of 92.
Jago played a key role in growing soccer’s popularity in the Dallas area, serving as executive director of the Dallas Cup international youth tournament from 2002-12. He earned multiple honors throughout his decorated career, being enshrined on the Texas Soccer Walk of Fame in 2005.
“Gordon Jago was more than a soccer coach and executive, he was a mentor, a builder, and a beloved figure in our community. I had the privilege of playing in the Dallas Cup twice, and even as a young player, I could feel the energy and excellence Gordon built into the tournament,” FC Dallas president Dan Hunt said in a statement. “It wasn’t just a competition; it was an experience shaped by his passion for the game and his commitment to developing young talent from around the world. Gordon helped put Dallas on the global soccer map, and his legacy will continue to inspire all of us at FC Dallas and beyond.”
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Jago, a London, England native, enjoyed a long soccer journey that started with a playing stint at Charlton Athletic. After his playing days were over, the former centerback took up a coaching career that included multiple stops in the United States.
He landed in the U.S. in 1967, taking over a Baltimore Bays squad that played in the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) before joining the North American Soccer League (NASL). Jago also briefly served as head coach of the U.S. men’s national team in 1969.
After a successful return to England with clubs like Queens Park Rangers and Millwall, Jago made his way back to the U.S. with the NASL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies in 1978. Just six years later, his legendary run in North Texas began.
Jago notably held multiple roles with the Dallas Sidekicks starting in 1984. His gigs with the indoor soccer squad included head coach, general manager and team president. He won multiple championships with the Sidekicks, earning Coach of the Year honors twice (Major Indoor Soccer League in 1985-86 and Continental Indoor Soccer League in 1993).
While he juggled other roles after his Sidekicks departure in 1998, one of Jago’s main focuses became the growth of youth soccer in North Texas. Through the Dallas Cup, Jago gave rising soccer players a chance to showcase their skills against competitors who represented some of the world’s biggest clubs.
According to dallascup.org, notable names like David Beckham, Clint Dempsey and Wayne Rooney previously competed at Dallas Cup tournaments.
In a previous report from The Dallas Morning News, Jago said his main vision of what soccer should be revolved around bringing communities together. Jago was the Dallas Cup’s executive director until 2012.
Jago compiled a long list of accolades throughout his life. He was a 2013 inductee into the Indoor Soccer Hall of Fame. Back in 2006, Queen Elizabeth II made Jago a member of the Order of the British Empire.
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