ODP is a platform that identifies the top youth soccer players with potential to advance to the Olympic and national teams.
About Olympic Development Program (ODP)
The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is a national youth soccer program in the United States, designed to identify and develop talented players for potential inclusion in national team programs.
Established in 1977 by the United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA), the ODP serves as a critical pipeline for identifying and nurturing top-level youth talent across the country.
Structure and Purpose
The ODP is structured around a series of regional and state-level programs, with each state association organizing its own ODP events and activities.
Players are evaluated through a series of tryouts and training sessions, with top performers selected for state and regional ODP teams.
The primary purposes of the ODP are to:
- Identify and develop elite youth soccer players with the potential to represent the United States in international competitions.
- Provide high-level training and competition opportunities for players to develop their skills and further their soccer careers.
- Enhance the overall development of youth soccer in the United States by raising the level of play and coaching.
ODP Process
The ODP process typically begins at the state level, with players participating in tryouts and training sessions organized by their respective state soccer associations.
Top performers from these events are then selected to represent their state in regional ODP camps and competitions.
Players who excel at the regional level may be selected for the regional ODP team, which consists of the top players from each state within the region.
These regional teams participate in national ODP events, where they compete against other regional teams and receive further training from top-level coaches.
Ultimately, standout players from the national ODP events may be identified for potential inclusion in youth national team pools or camps, providing them with the opportunity to represent the United States in international competitions.
Benefits of ODP
Participation in the ODP offers numerous benefits for youth soccer players, including:
- Exposure to high-level coaching and competition, which can accelerate a player’s development.
- Opportunities to compete against the best players in their age group, both regionally and nationally.
- Increased visibility to college coaches and scouts, potentially leading to scholarship offers or professional opportunities.
- The chance to represent their state, region, and potentially their country in soccer competitions.
Conclusion
The Olympic Development Program has played a significant role in the development of youth soccer in the United States, producing numerous players who have gone on to represent the country at various levels, including the senior national teams.
Participation in the ODP is an excellent opportunity for talented youth players to hone their skills, gain valuable experience, and pursue their soccer dreams.