Purpose
The
Olympic Development Program 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; 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.
Program
Description History
In
1979 the program expanded, the organization became
more efficient and multi-year plans were developed.
State Associations were encouraged to develop
programs which supported and worked in tandem
with National and Regional programs. At the beginning
of 1982 a formalized program for girls was created,
with the addition of a full committee (one member
from each Region).
Current
Organization
From
1982 until the present, international events for
youth national teams have increased substantially
and the Olympic Development Program has kept pace
by instituting trials and player pools for five
age groups in the boys' program, and five age
groups in the girls' program.
The
ODP Selection Process
Each
State Association holds ODP try-outs on an annual
basis. Age Groups and try-out dates may be different
from state to state, based on seasonal and state
considerations.
How
are Players Selected?
Players
are selected, in most states, 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. Some state associations combine scouting
techniques and invitations to certain players
with the open tryouts. Selection of these players
is not an easy task. The state association head
coach or State Coach 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 components that make
up a soccer player:
- Technique
- Tactics
- Fitness and Athletic Ability
- Psychological Component (attitude)
What
are Regional Camps?
There
are four regions, each 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. Each region
varies somewhat as to the specifics and the cost
of their camps. Your state association or regional
administrator should be contacted for more information.
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.
What
are the Benefits of Participating in ODP?
- Development as a player. The opportunity
to train and play with the best player's in
one's age group.
- Quality instruction from nationally licensed
coaches.
- Quality competition. Games against other
state association ODP teams.
- Exposure to regional and national team coaches.
- The opportunity to represent one's state,
region, or country in competition.
- Exposure to college coaches.
For
additional information on the Weston Wild program
please call 954-349-9786. |
