What is ODP?
The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is a United States Youth Soccer (USYS) program created to identify the best soccer players within 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 the East Region. ODP’s second purpose is to identify the best from each region for selection to the regional pool. Players in the East Region pool are considered candidates for consideration to the US National Team pool.
What is the East Region?
Created by USYS, the 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. 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 adjusted each year. Costs for this coming year are being set now. Included in the cost are training sessions, play dates with other states, coaches’ stipend, Regional Tournament entry fee and administration, and training t-shirt. This fee does not include the uniform or optional Invitation-only ODP ID Camp (Regional Pool Camp), in July.
What is East Region 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 Camp is by invitation-only because your player has been identified via a playdate or other method. From the Camp, the Regional teams are selected and invited to play in the Interregional event in Florida in January.
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.