Overview

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Official Uniform Supplier of Mississippi Soccer Association ODP

ODP

The US YOUTH SOCCER Olympic Development Program or ODP as it is commonly called is a national identification and development program for high-level players. The program identifies and develops youth players throughout the country to represent their state association, region and the United States in soccer competition. For the purposes of international competitions, age groupings are always formed by calendar year (Jan. 1 – Dec. 31) and not by school year. 

Goals of ODP

1.) To identify a pool of players in each age group from which a United States National Team will be selected for international competition. 

2.) To provide high level training to benefit and enhance the development of players at all levels.

3.) Through the use of carefully selected coaches, develop a mechanism for the enhancement of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.  

Player Selection?

Players are selected on the basis of open tryouts though players may also have been scouted or recommended into the program. However, all players must attend at least one tryout event in order to be evaluated and considered for an ODP Team. Some players (such as current team members) may be 'waived' to the final tryout. The first tryout is 'open', the second by invitation only. Selection of these players is not an easy task. The state DOC 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 following components, among others, that make up a soccer player: 

1. Technique
2. Tactics
3. Fitness and Athletic Ability
4. Psychological Component (attitude)

ODP Players’ Activities 

Following selection a state ODP player is expected to participate in all activities of their ODP team. These activities may include friendly games, tournaments, sub-regional events and regional camps. Players unable or unwilling to attend the regional camp should not accept a place on the team. If players are not available for some specific events they may be replaced by an alternate or another player from the pool. Players are expected to take their participation in the program seriously and should be committed to improving their individual skills as well as improving as a team player. Players are subject to the ODP Code of Conduct upon entry into the program.

The final team selection will be made by in March. Adequate training should take place between the final try-out and the naming of the team. Practice dates will be determined following consultations between the team coach and the team administrator, but will be at least monthly. The team administrator is the liaison between parents, players and the team coach. 

ODP Teams’ Program

The aim of the program is to select the best group of players in each age group in Mississippi. They will compete over the course of the year against the eleven other states in Region 3 of the United States Youth Soccer Association including North and South Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, North & South Carolina and Florida. 

Player Commitment

The ultimate objective is to attend the US Youth Soccer Region 3 ODP Camp (or other designated event) in the summer of each year. There is no reason for trying out if the player cannot go to the camp (or event). Between selection for the team and going to camp individual teams will set their own practice and game schedule. The different age groups have different needs and flexibility is essential. At the camp players are evaluated in competition and training against players from the eleven other eligible states in Region 3. They attempt to ‘make it’ onto the Region 3 team and then compete for a place on our National Youth Teams. That is the ultimate goal. From the thousands that started only a select few can make it. 

However, the exposure to higher levels of play and training is well worth both the personal and financial output. If players are to reach the higher levels they must know what is expected of them and how to get there. ODP has certainly proved to be a valuable aid to those wanting to play at the college level.

The Benefits of Participating in 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.

QUESTIONS AND/OR COMMENTS

In the event you have any questions and/or comments concerning the ODP program please contact  msodp@mississippisoccer.org