The US Youth Soccer ODP 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
To be a nationally recognized youth identification and development pathway for US soccer players.
In 1979, the program expanded, the organization became more efficient, and multi-year plans were developed. State Associations were encouraged to develop programs that 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). From 1982 until the present, international events for youth national teams have increased substantially and the US Youth Soccer ODP 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.
Program Goals
- To identify a pool of players in each age group from which a U.S. 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 and licensed coaches, develop a mechanism for the enhancement of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.
What are the Benefits of Participating in US Youth Soccer ODP?
- Development as a player. The opportunity to train and play with the best players in one’s age group.
- Highly qualified coaching staff from throughout the state, including coaches from over 20 colleges & universities.
- Quality competition. Games against other state association ODP teams.
- Low-cost options, with scholarships available for families that qualify, and payment plans available.
- Exposure to regional and national team coaches.
- Provides vertical integration for National Team Identification (State ODP, Regional & National Team)
- Exposure to college coaches.
ODP Tryouts & Selection Process
ENYYSA holds ODP tryouts on an annual basis (FALL SEASON). All players are eligible to attend tryouts. Any player who is not playing for a team affiliated with ENYYSA will pay a higher tryout and registration fee. Players may only participate in the state where they reside. If you play for a US Soccer Development Academy you are not eligible, as per their guidelines.
How are players selected?
Selection of these players is not an easy task. Our ENYYSA ODP Head Coaches will usually be assisted in the selection process by several other qualified coaches from club or league level. Players are evaluated on the 4 components that make up a soccer player:
1. Technique
2. Tactics
3. Fitness & Athletic Ability
4. Psychological Component (focus)
Congrats, you have been selected. Now what to expect?
Upon selection, an ODP player is expected to register in the ODP online registration system and participate in all activities with their team. The activities may include exhibition matches, invitational tournaments, etc. Furthermore, ODP is designed to supplement club training. However, there are times when conflicts arise.
ENYYSA works closely with affiliated clubs and follows these guidelines:
- ODP Training takes precedence over “Affiliated” Club practice.
- “Affiliated” Club games take precedence over ODP Training.
- ODP game(s) take precedence over ‘Affiliated” Club practice.
- A club game takes precedence over an ODP-friendly game.
- ODP Tournament (showcase game(s) takes precedence over ‘Affiliated” Club games and tournaments.
- Region I games/events take precedence over ODP and ‘Affiliated” Club games/events.