ODP Program General Information

Region I ODP Program

The US Youth Soccer ODP Philosophy is to identify players of the highest caliber on a continuing and consistent basis, which will lead to increased success for the U.S. National Teams in the international arena. The 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.

Region I 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.

Click here to read The Region I ODP Program Mission Statement.

The Region I ODP pools participate in the National Camps and Interregional events that 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. The Region I ODP pools also participate in international competitions with teams from other countries.

There are many benefits of participating in US Youth Soccer ODP and Region I ODP Program.

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.

The US Soccer National Team coaches have also recognized these benefits. Click here to read the letter from John Ellinger, Coach of the US Soccer U17 Men's National Team, on the benefits that the US Youth Soccer and Region I ODP offer.

Each State Association of Region I holds ODP try-outs on an annual basis. Age Groups and try-out dates are different from state to state, based on seasonal and state considerations. Your first contact should be to your State Association for try-out information. Click here for a list of State Association ODP contacts.

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