# Antwoine Hackford

Antwoine Hackford (born 20 March 2004) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for EFL League Two club Port Vale, on loan from EFL Championship club Sheffield United. Capped by England up to under-16 level, he has previously played on loan at Alfreton Town and Burton Albion.

## Club career

Born in the Arbourthorne area of Sheffield, Hackford began his career at Sheffield United, joining the club at the age of nine, and taking part in the first-team's pre-season preparations ahead of the 2020–21 season. He became a scholar that year, and was included in The Guardian's 'Next Generation 2020' list of the best young players at Premier League clubs. He made his senior debut for the club on 2 January 2021, appearing as an 80th-minute substitute for Ben Osborn in a 2–0 away league defeat by Crystal Palace. At the age of 16 years and 288 days, he became their youngest ever player in the Premier League. Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder said he was "delighted" for Hackford. He turned professional in June 2021.
In December 2021, Hackford joined National League North side Alfreton Town on a one-month loan, going straight into the squad for the fixture at Curzon Ashton where he scored on his debut in a 2–1 win. Billy Heath, manager of the Reds, said that Hackford was "fantastic" before he "just ran out of a steam a little bit". However, he injured his ACL 11 days later while playing for Sheffield United in the FA Youth Cup, ruling him out for 11 months.
Hackford featured in two Premier League games when manager Paul Heckingbottom was short of attacking options at the start of the 2023–24 campaign, making cameo appearances in narrow defeats to Crystal Palace at Bramall Lane and away at Nottingham Forest. He signed a new two-and-a-half year contract in January 2024 after having scored 13 goals in that season's Professional Development League and Premier League Cup. On 1 February, Hackford joined League One club Burton Albion on loan until the end of the 2023–24 season. He featured from the bench six times for the Brewers under Martin Paterson.
On 30 August 2024, Hackford signed for League Two club Port Vale on a season-long loan. Manager Darren Moore stated that "he is another player who plays without fear and adds even further competition at the top end of the pitch". Hackford scored his first goal in the English Football League on 21 September, when his 95th-minue strike secured a 2–2 draw at Accrington Stanley. He scored a "terrific volley" in a 2–1 Boxing day defeat at Bradford City, after which he was praised by strike partner Jayden Stockley for his hold-up play and attitude.

## International career

Hackford has represented England at under-15 and under-16 levels.

## Personal life

Born in England, Hackford is of Trinidadian descent. His brother is boxer Anthony Tomlinson.

## Career statistics

    As of match played 8 March 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition :
| Club | Season | League | League | League | FA Cup | FA Cup | EFL Cup | EFL Cup | Other | Other | Total | Total |
| Club | Season | Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| Sheffield United | 2020–21 | Premier League | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 1 | 0 |
| Sheffield United | 2021–22 | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sheffield United | 2022–23 | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 |
| Sheffield United | 2023–24 | Premier League | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 2 | 0 |
| Sheffield United | 2024–25 | Championship | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 |
| Sheffield United | Total | Total | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Alfreton Town (loan) | 2021–22 | National League North | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Burton Albion (loan) | 2023–24 | League One | 6 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6 | 0 |
| Port Vale (loan) | 2024–25 | League Two | 20 | 4 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 4 | 0 | 25 | 4 |
| Career total | Career total | Career total | 30 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 35 | 5 |
* ↑ Appearances in EFL Trophy