Born in England, Jackson began playing soccer through the Leeds
United Youth Program.  After 10 years in the program, learning and
perfecting his skills, Jackson headed to the United States to play college soccer at the University of North Carolina where he received numerous
honors.  As a Tarheel, he was nominated for the All-South Team from
1998-2001, he was All-ACC and All-American in 2000-2001. 
Jackson was the team captain for three years including the 2001 season
when the Tarheels won the NCAA Division I National Championship
over Indiana University and was named Soccer American MVP, National Championship MVP and was voted to the Final Four All
Tournament Team.  At UNC he was also the 2001 Patterson Medal
Recipient for most outstanding student athlete at UNC.  After a
successful college career, Jackson joined the Colorado Rapids of the
MLS for the 2002 season.  Jackson had a sensational season with the
Sounders in 2003.   Jackson was voted the Sounders Defender of the
Year, as well A-League.com’s Defender of the Year and was selected
to the A-League First-Team.