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Olympic Development
Program
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Two ODP Programs |
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The 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
The Olympic Development Program was created by USSF and implemented for
boys in 1977 and girls in 1982. US Youth Soccer first began to
identify a pool of players in each age group from which a National Team
would 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.
How do I participate?
Your club must be a member of USYSA or US Club. If you play for a
USYSA club, you register individually through your US Youth Soccer State
Association or if US Club, you are nominated by a US Club coach or
scout.
What are the ODP age
groups?
ODP age groups are determined by birth year not by date-of-birth, unlike
the age groups used for your club teams.
How are Players Selected?
Players are selected, in most states, on the basis of open tryouts.
These tryouts are conducted by state 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:
1. Technique
2. Tactics
3. Fitness and Athletic Ability
4. Psychological Component (attitude)
What are Regional Camps?
US Youth Soccer (USYSA) is divided into four regions (I-IV) each
consisting of multiple states. Florida along with Alabama,
Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma,
South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas are Region III state affiliates
(associations) of USYSA. Each state association is further
broken down into its own regions, with each region offering ODP tryouts
under FYSA rules. Selections from each region gather together a
few months later to arrive at a state team for each 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.
US Club's SYL manages their own ODP camps selection. Tryouts are
held annually by region.
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
indentify players for placement in the national pool or on a national
team.
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