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Last Updated: Jan 22nd, 2008 - 09:53:32 |
WHY ODP?
Initially created in 1977 as the US Youth Soccer Select Team Program, US Youth Soccer ODP was formed to identify a pool of players in each age group from which a National Team could 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 curriculums to improve all levels of coaching. A girls program was added in 1985.
US Youth Soccer ODP is the original Olympic development program. US Youth Soccer ODP is the only elite player development program that can claim members of Major League Soccer and the former Women’s United Soccer Association, as well as a majority of current and past national and youth team members, as alumni. It is viewed as the premier identification and development program for the nation youth seeking the opportunity to compete at the national and collegiate levels of play.
US Youth Soccer ODP exists in every state association and offers collegiate and national team staff coaches the opportunity to see the nation’s elite players in the most competitive of environments. In addition to training and tactics, US Youth Soccer ODP also offers competition such as regional and national championships as well as participation in international tournaments. US Youth Soccer ODP continues to lead the way for elite player development in the United States.
“US Youth Soccer ODP has played a meaningful role in player development in the US”, said head coach of U.S. Soccer Under-17 Men’s National Team, John Hackworth. “The players develop in US youth soccer ODP by continually being placed in more competitive environment, such as playing internationally with regional teams, which provides elite players from across the nation valuable experience and a platform to improve. The US Youth Soccer ODP contributes to the encompassing effort of identifying potential players for the U.S. National Team programs”.
“The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program is a vital part of the identification process for our youth national teams”, said U.S. Women’s National Team head coach Greg Ryan. “Creating an environment for the most talented girls to play with and against the best players possible not only allows for their maximum growth as players, but also allows the national team coaches to see who really has the qualities to play at the highest level. The US Youth Soccer ODP gets a lot of credit for the success of our youth national teams al all age levels.”
“Our organization is known for the best youth soccer in the country and our member clubs and coaches are to be commended for their efforts in developing the future of American Soccer”, said Larry Monaco, president of US Youth Soccer. “Our elite level programs, such as US Youth Soccer ODP and US Youth Soccer National Championship Series, continue to provide the highest level of development and visibility to our players across the country and better prepare our national teams for competition”.
If you would like more information regarding the WV Olympic Development Program please visit wvsoccer.net or email odp@wvsoccer.net
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