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 identify and provide opportunities for high potential players, facilitate their development, and expose them to the next level of their chosen pathway.
Goal
To be a nationally recognized youth identification and development pathway for US soccer players.
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). 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.
ODP TRYOUTS & SELECTION PROCESS
ENYYSA holds ODP try-outs 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, 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 4 components that make up a soccer player:
1. Technique
2. Tactics
3. Fitness & Athletic Ability
4. Psychological Component (focus)
What are the Benefits of Participating in US Youth Soccer ODP?
1. Development as a player. The opportunity to train and play with the best player's in one's age group.
2. Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches.
3. Quality competition. Games against other state association ODP teams.
4. Exposure to regional and national team coaches.
5. The opportunity to represent one's state, region, or country in competition.
6. Exposure to college coaches.
Congrats, you have been selected. Now what to expect?
Upon selection an ODP player is expected to register in the ODP on-line 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 that conflicts arise.
ENYYSA works closely with affiliated clubs and follows these guidelines:
1. ODP Training takes precedence over "Affiliated" Club practice.
2. "Affiliated" Club games take precedence over ODP Training.
3. ODP game(s) takes precedence over 'Affiliated" Club practice.
4. A club game takes precedence over an ODP friendly game.
5. ODP Tournament (showcase game(s) takes precedence over 'Affiliated" Club games and tournaments.
6. Region I games/events take precedence over ODP and 'Affiliated" Club games/events.
For questions about the ODP program, contact your local ODP administrator:
Brian Riesenburger, ODP South Administrator
Wendy Beevers, ODP North Administrator