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The
Olympic Development Program
(ODP) is an important part of Huntsville Futbol Club's Total Soccer
Development. We recognize and congratulate the club's ODP players.
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
The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program was formed in 1977 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).
Current Organization
From 1982 until the present, international events for youth national teams have
increased substantially and the US Youth Soccer 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.
The US Youth Soccer ODP Selection
Process
Each State Association holds ODP try-outs on an
annual basis. Age Groups and try-out dates may be different from state to state,
based on seasonal and state considerations. Your first contact should be to your
State Association for try-out information.
How are Players Selected?
In Alabama, players are selected on the basis of open tryouts during District
Training. District Training is conducted by the 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:
What are Regional Camps?
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 indentify players for
placement in the national pool or on a national team.
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.
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