Welcome to the WV ODP Program!
Q&A about our program with WV ODP Director of Coaching, Peter McGahey! Link the link below.
https://wvsoccer.podbean.com/e/the-basics-about-the-west-virginia-olympic-development-program/
Below is some information to help guide you through the tryout/training process and the upcoming season.
About the Olympic Development Program (ODP)
Below is some information to help guide you through the tryout/training process and the upcoming season.
The ODP program is a national program designed to serve two major purposes:
- To identify outstanding youth players throughout the country who have the potential to represent the United States in international competition
- To develop top players at the State, Regional, and National levels
In 1979, the program expanded, becoming more structured and efficient, with multi-year development plans introduced. State Associations were encouraged to develop programs that supported and worked in partnership with Regional and National programs. In 1982, a formalized program for girls was established, and since then, international opportunities for youth national teams have grown significantly. The ODP program, under United States Youth Soccer, has continued to evolve to provide development and identification opportunities for players across the country.
East Region ODP Mission
The mission of the US Youth Soccer East Region ODP program is:
- To develop each player to their full potential and enhance their enjoyment of the game
- To increase player skill levels and raise the level of play within their local environment
- To help players achieve their highest possible level
- To consistently identify top-level players who may progress to Regional and National Team opportunities
The overall goal is to provide a nationally recognized pathway for player identification and development within U.S. Soccer.
Player Evaluation and Selection
Players participating in ODP are evaluated and selected based on:
- Technique
- Tactical understanding
- Fitness and athletic ability
- Attitude and coachability
After tryouts, player pools are created for each age group.
Benefits of Participating in ODP
Participation in ODP provides players with valuable development and exposure opportunities, including:
- Continued development as a player
- The opportunity to train and compete with top players in their age group
- Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches
- High-level competition against other state ODP teams
- Exposure to Regional and National Team coaches
- The opportunity to represent their state, region, or country
- Exposure to college coaches and advanced playing pathways
What We as WV Coaches Do to Support ODP and Help Players
Here in West Virginia, coaches play a critical role in making the program successful and accessible for players across the state through the West Virginia Soccer Association.
As WV ODP coaches, we support players by:
- Identifying players who show potential, work ethic, and a desire to improve
- Providing high-quality training that challenges players technically and tactically
- Creating opportunities for players to compete against strong competition
- Offering guidance and feedback to help players grow and reach their goals
- Working with clubs across the state to support player development, not replace it
- Helping players gain exposure to Regional, National, and college opportunities
Our role is not just to select players—but to develop them, support them, and help them reach their highest potential both on and off the field.
Amanda Eller – WVSA ODP Administrator
Peter McGahey – ODP Director
Bob Gray- ODP Director
Dave Laraba – WVSA Executive Director
Randall Coleman – WVSA President
For mailings and payments:
WVSA ODP
196 Joe L. Smith Drive
Beckley, WV 25801
For additional information please contact:
Amanda Eller – WV ODP Administrator