2007 '95 Girls Olympic Development Program Try-outs
ODP Early Morning Check In
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Olympic Development Program
On December 8th & 9th, 2007 I chaperoned two girls from ASC Flame to the Olympic Development Program (ODP) try-outs for girls from the 1995 (birth date) age group. We traveled to Wilsonville, Oregon for the opportunity for our girls to play on the “State Team”. The girls had a wonderful time meeting and playing with girls from all over Oregon. They held their own during the try-out process too!
For those of you who are not familiar with ODP, what follows is a brief description taken from the OYSA website…
What is the ODP program?
ODP is a program designed to identify and develop high-caliber soccer players. Elite youth players throughout the country are chosen to represent their state association, region and ultimately, the United States in soccer competition. ODP teams are formed at the state association and regional levels, made up of the best players in various age groups. At the state level, pools of players are identified in each eligible age group, brought together as a team to develop their skill through training and competition. From the state player pools and subsequent teams, players are chosen for regional and national pools and teams.
What benefit does ODP give me?
Competition! You will not find better competition in any other program available. In the ODP program, you are constantly playing against the best soccer players from 14 different states in the western region. There’s no better way to get better as a soccer player than by playing against the best.
College! It’s no secret that college coaches flock to the ODP program when recruiting players. They want the best players and they come to the best showcase program possible. They come to ODP. Did you know that Oregon’s oldest ODP group last year had close to 20 players sign with major Division I colleges to play soccer?
In Conclusion
As you can see, there are many serious benefits for participation in the ODP. After observing our girls take part, I want to share with you what I believe to be the most valuable aspect of ODP. The Experience. Our girls had a great time meeting and making new friends. As I said earlier, our girls held their own competing with the best players in the state! They came away with more confidence in themselves as players and as young ladies.
All in all, it was a great educational experience…
- Judd
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