The Cal North Olympic Development Program (otherwise known as ODP) provides players the opportunity to compete in quality competitions against other state association ODP teams, exposing players to college coaches, and regional/national team coaches for further advancement.
The Cal North Olympic Development Program is directly affiliated with the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program formed in 1977. The Olympic Development Program is a national identification and development program for players of the highest-level. Each state association identifies and develops youth players throughout the country to represent their State Association and the United States in regional, national, and in some cases international soccer competitions.
The Cal North Olympic Development Program consists of pools of players identified in eligible age groups for the purpose of high level training and skill development. Players are identified for regional and national pools and teams with which they train and participate in competitions. Cal North Olympic Development Program teams participate in the Portland Timbers Friendship Cup, ODP Region IV Championship, Interregional’s and more…
Who can try out for ODP?
All soccer players are eligible for consideration for Cal North’s Olympic Development Program, but must meet the age requirements and must be recommended by their League/Club Director of Coaching or Club coach (for those leagues/clubs who do not employee a Director of Coaching). Tryouts are conducted in August, September and October.
State tryouts are conducted by Head Age Group coaches, which are carefully selected and licensed coaches with a keen ability to identify and develop highly skilled players. State Olympic Development Program Coaches are in most cases assisted in the selection process by other qualified coaches from College staff and the club and league level.
During tryouts a players’ technique, tactics, fitness, athletic ability, and attitude (psychological component) are evaluated by the Head Age Group coaches. State tryouts are conducted by Head Age Group coaches, which are carefully selected and licensed coaches with a keen ability to identify and develop highly skilled players. State Olympic Development Program Coaches are in most cases assisted in the selection process by several other qualified coaches from the club or league level.
Okay… So I’m now in a Cal North ODP pool, now what?
Selection to Cal North’s Olympic Development Program requires serious participation and a real commitment to improving individual skills. Players are subject to the Olympic Development Program Code of Conduct upon entry into the program at the state level, and are expected to participate in all activities. Olympic Development Program activities include exhibition matches, invitational tournaments, sub-regional and regional camps. Players unable to participate may be replaced by another player from their pool.
What are Regional and National Camps?
California is in one of four U.S. Youth Soccer regions (i.e. Region IV). Each region offers a regional camp for State Olympic Development Program players in each eligible age group. Players capable of performing at a higher level of play are identified at Regional Camps for possible inclusion in the national pool or on a national team.
National Camps and Interregional events are held at various locations throughout the year. 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.
Not sure about this? Find out what it takes to be successful in the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program.
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