What is the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program?
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.
NEBRASKA ODP:
Nebraska ODP is a fantastic opportunity for a player in addition to his/her club team. ODP targets elite players in our state. Elite players must possess a high degree of technical proficiency and comfort/mastery of the ball; tactical awareness and understanding of how to play the game with and without the ball; physical athleticism to compete and have success versus their peers; and psychological mindset to work harder than most, can overcome adversity and mistakes, can follow instructions and be open to new ideas and ways to play the game, and to push themselves to reach outside their comfort zone.
Nebraska ODP has produced players whom have gone on to do some wonderful things in soccer. Some current players, and alumni, have gone on to: Play collegiate, and received scholarships at all different levels, be identified for National training camps, attend regional and international events, youth national team experience, MLS DA trials, MLS DA players, and on current player under contract with Union Omaha!
Frequently Asked Questions
How are Players Selected?
Players are selected, in most states, on the basis of open tryouts. These tryouts are conducted by 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:
1. Technique
2. Tactics
3. Fitness and Athletic Ability
4. Psychological Component (attitude)
How many players are chosen?
This is different for every age group. For some age groups we may choose a full team, in other we may choose a pool of players that can then be broken down into different teams for special events. We have no set minimum or maximum, we just want the best players involved!
What if we already have a club team?
Perfect! NE ODP should not, and never will replace a club team. ODP training is ADDITIONAL training for the top players in the state. There may be tournaments, friendly games that ODP participates in, but the purpose is not to be treated as a club team but as an "extra" for those players selected and to provide additional opportunities for those players.
What are the costs?
If you are chosen for ODP there is a yearly fee around $200 (official price will be announced when players are offered). If you are chosen for an additional tournament, event or Regional camp there will be additional costs.
Scholarships are available by application process after program selection.
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 identify 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.
When is training?
Check out our schedule!