ODP
An
Overview of ODP
US Youth Soccer is divided into four regions, each which offers a regional camp for state association ODP teams in each eligible age group. The camps are designed to provide high level competition and training for participating players. During this training and competition, players who are capable of performing at a higher level of play are identified for possible national team camp, pool, or team participation.
Olympic Development Programs aim to identify and advance the most talented and passionate youth players through state, regional, and national team selection and competitions. The pinnacle is US National Teams from 16 year olds and up that represent all of us on the international stage.
OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The ODP Mission Statement
To identify players of the
highest caliber on a continuing and consistent basis, which will lead to
increased success for the U.S. National Teams in the international arena.
Philosophy
To identify players of the
highest caliber on a continuing and consistent basis, which will lead to
increased success for the U.S. National Teams in the international arena.
Purpose
The Olympic Development
Program was formed to identify a pool of players in each age group from
which a National Team will be selected for international competition; to
provide high-level training to benefit and enhance the development of players
at all levels; and, through the use of carefully selected, and licensed
coaches, develop a mechanism for the exchange of ideas and curriculum to
improve all levels of coaching.
Program Description History
In 1979 the program expanded,
the organization became more efficient and multi-year plans were developed.
State Associations were encouraged to develop programs which supported
and worked in tandem with National and Regional programs. At the beginning
of 1982 a formalized program for girls was created, with the addition of
a full committee (one member from each Region). Also keeping pace with
current needs of the program was renamed, first to "Junior Olympic Development
Program" and then to "Olympic Development Program. "
Current Organization
From 1982 until the present,
international events for youth national teams have increased substantially
and the USYSA Olympic Development Program has kept pace by instituting
trials and player pools for five age groups in the boys' program, and five
age groups in the girls' program.
How are Players Selected?
Players are selected, in
most states, on the basis of open tryouts. These tryouts are conducted
by state association coaches who are recognized for their ability to identify
and train players with superior skills. Some state associations combine
scouting techniques and invitations to certain players with the open tryouts.
Selection of these players is not an easy task. The state association head
coach or State Coach will, in most cases, be assisted in the selection
process by several other qualified coaches from the club or league level.
Players are evaluated on the four components that make up a soccer player:
- Technique
- Tactics
- Fitness and Athletic Ability
- Psychological Component (attitude)
US Youth Soccer is divided into four regions, each which offers a regional camp for state association ODP teams in each eligible age group. The camps are designed to provide high level competition and training for participating players. During this training and competition, players who are capable of performing at a higher level of play are identified for possible national team camp, pool, or team participation.
Each region varies somewhat as to the specifics and the cost of their camps. Your state association or regional administrator should be contacted for more information.
What is a National Camp?
National Camps and Interregional
events are held throughout the year at various locations in the United
States. The National team Coach or a National Staff Coach is present at
these events to observe, train, and identify players for placement in the
national pool or on a national team.
What are the Benefits of Participating in ODP?
- Development as a player. The opportunity to train and play with the best player's in one's age group.
- Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches.
- Quality competition. Games against other state association ODP teams.
- Exposure to regional and national team coaches.
- The opportunity to represent one's state, region, or country in competition.
- Exposure to college coaches.
