WHAT IS THE OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM?
The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program or ODP as it is sometimes referred to is a national identification and development program for high-level players. This program identifies and develops youth players throughout the country to represent their state association, region and the United States in soccer competition.
Olympic Development teams are formed at the state association and regional levels, made up of the best players in various age groups. At the state association level, pools of players are identified in each eligible age group, are brought together as a team to develop their skills through training and competition. From the state pools and subsequent teams, players are identified for regional and national pools and teams.
WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF ODP?
- To identify a pool of players in each age group from which a United States National Team will be selected for international competition.
- To provide high level training to benefit and enhance the development of players at all levels.
- Through the use of carefully selected licensed coaches, develop a mechanism for the enhancement of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Any soccer player is eligible for consideration in the Olympic Development Program provided that he or she meets the age requirements for the established age group. A player may try out in a state association in which he or she is eligible to be registered. A player may not try out for the Olympic Development Program in more that one state.
Tryouts are conducted at various times of the year.
HOW ARE PLAYERS SELECTED?
Players are selected on the basis of open tryouts. These tryouts are conducted by the state association coaches who are recognized for their ability to identify and train players with superior skills.
Selection of players is not an easy task. The state association head coach or State Coach will be assisted in the process by several other qualified coaches from within our state and from other states.
Players are evaluated on four components that make up a soccer player:
- Technique
- Tactics
- Fitness and athletic ability
- Psychological component (attitude)
WHAT DO ODP PLAYERS DO?
Upon selection, a state association Olympic Development player is expected to participate in all team activities. These activities may include exhibition matches, invitational tournaments, and sub-regional and regional camps. If players are not available for a particular event, they may be replaced by another player from the pool.
Players are expected to take their participation in the program seriously, and should be committed to improving their individual soccer skills as well as improving as team players. Players are subject to the Olympic Development Code of Conduct upon entry into the program at the state association level.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN ODP?
- Development as a player. The opportunity to train and play with the best players 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 your state, region, or country in competition.
- Exposure to college coaches.
