What is ODP?
The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is a United States Youth Soccer (USYS) program created to identify the best soccer players with in each state association, and then further develop them through the experience of training and playing with and against the best from the other state associations in Region 1. ODP’s second purpose is to identify the best from each region for selection to the regional pool. Players in the Region 1 pool are considered candidates for consideration to the US National Team pool.
What is Region 1?
Created by USYS Region 1(now known as East Region) is comprised of the 13 states of the Northeast, from West Virginia through Maine. It is one of four geographic units used to regionalize soccer in the US.
How much time will it take and will it conflict with my club team?
The time commitment is minimal — twice-a-month training sessions in the Winter, several outdoor sessions, several outdoor playdates with neighboring states and the ODP Regional Tournament. Your club and coaches are aware of ODP and support the program. They also support your involvement because you will become a better player by participating in it.
Where and when will we train and play our Friendly?
Winter trainings will be at Portland Sports Complex, with some also in Central Maine. Outdoor sessions will be on turf fields in Maine, and the playdate opportunities will be in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, with a potential home playdate as well.
How much will it cost?
The cost for the ODP program is $435 for 12U through 17U, which covers training shirt, uniform, training sessions, coaches’ stipend, tournament entry fee and administration. This fee does not include the optional Invitation-only ODP ID Camp (Regional Pool Camp), in July.
What is Region 1 ODP “ID” Camp?
ID Camp, also called the Regional Pool Camp, is an optional four-day camp in early July. It is restricted to ODP players only, and its purpose is to identify the East Region Pool. The best 50 ODP players in the East Region will be invited to an East Region pool camp for evaluation and identification for the national team pool.
How has ODP helped Maine Soccer players?
ODP provides experience and exposure to further develop the player’s ability. Experience playing with and against the best in the East Region improves the player’s game awareness, creativity and speed of play. Exposure to college coaches and East Region Pool selection opens additional soccer doors. ODP players are considered some of the best candidates to play college soccer and are sought after by many college programs.
How are Maine ODP players chosen?
Through open tryouts and recommendations from Premier club coaches in each age group. To be chosen as an ODP player is quite an honor and means that player has been identified as one of the best 18 players by age in Maine.
Who is the Coach?
All ODP Coaches are experienced, professional coaches holding national licenses. Many are college coaches and most have played college or professional soccer.