Sporting Oklahoma
Program Information
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) 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. The purpose of the Olympic Development Program is 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.
SELECTION PROCESS
Each State Association holds an Olympic Development Program tryout on an annual basis to identify players of the highest caliber on a continuing and consistent basis. Players are selected 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. Players are evaluated on the four components that make up a soccer player: Technique, Tactics, Fitness and Athletic Ability and Attitude.
REGIONAL & NATIONAL CAMPS
US Youth Soccer is divided into four regions, each which offers a regional camp for state association Olympic Development Program teams in each eligible age group. Oklahoma is in the South Region. 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.
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.
BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION
- Development as a player. The opportunity to train and play with the best players in your age group.
- Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches.
- Quality competition. Games against other state association Olympic Development Program teams.
- Exposure to regional and national team coaches.
- The opportunity to represent your state, region, or country in competition.
- Exposure to college coaches.
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