ODP for Rookies (FAQ's)
ODP for Rookies
This page is designed to give you insight into the process and goals of the US Youth Soccer New Mexico Olympic Development Program!
Along with a brief description of the program and its processes, we have collected a series of questions commonly asked by players, parents and coaches.
Commonly Asked Questions
What does it take to be successful in ODP?
Here’s an in depth look at what it takes: Link
What is the ODP Tryout?
The ODP Tryout is a once year opportunity open to any player interested in ODP. At the tryout players play small- and/or full-sided games. During this process, the ODP coaching staff will evaluate the players and recommend those they feel should be invited to join the ODP or YOP pool.
Can we get a list of players who are in the pool?
The list of players who have been invited to join the pool will be posted on the web page after tryouts. The list will change throughout the cycle as players can be added to the pool at any time.
What is a provisional pool invitation?
A provisional pool invitation may be given to player as an invitation to join the next ODP pool training session. These invitations will allow the Head coaches to evaluate a player amongst the current pool.
What are ODP pool training sessions?
Selected players are placed in age group pools and participate in ODP pool training sessions. These training sessions are competitive environments where players may be challenged beyond their comfort zones. The pool participants are then pared down into teams. The teams travel to various events, including the ODP Regional Championships where they can be identified and invited to join a Region IV team or pool.
What is Regional Championships?
The Regional Championships for US Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program spotlights the future stars of United States soccer. State teams compete against one another at a location within Region IV to determine which teams are the best in the region. The winners, in some age groups, will compete for the right to be crowned US Youth Soccer ODP National Champion.
What is Regional Camp?
US Youth Soccer is divided into four regions, each region 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.
Can we get a list of players going to camp?
No. Region IV handles all things related to Regional Camp, including invitations to players going to camp.
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.
Can a YOP join ODP?
At the discretion of the ODP Director and New Mexico Technical Director, a player in YOP may be asked to join the ODP pool, however this is very rare.
Can a player tryout for an older age group?
No, unless a member of the US Soccer National Teams coaching staff specifically requests a member to the National pool. Each state association does have some flexibility at the younger age groups, but we have adopted a policy which makes it difficult to move a player up an age group.
Why is ODP on the calendar year when club is August 1 to July 31?
US Youth ODP follows the FIFA guidelines in regards to fielding Youth National Teams (e.g. U17, U20). US Youth Soccer adopted the August 1 - July 31 dates for defining a team to allow more players in the same grade to play on the same club team.
Have a question? Submit it to Bob Bigney, Associate Technical Director.
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