What is the Olympic Development Program?
Better known as "ODP" the program is a player identification and development program. It provides age-eligible players an opportunity to represent Iowa at various events as well as the US Youth Soccer Region II level. Player development provided at ODP events are intended to complement training at the club level.
US Youth Soccer ODP Philosophy
To identify players of the highest caliber on a continuing and consistent basis and development them to their full potential, which will lead to increased success for the US National Teams in the international arena.
Objectives of ODP
Iowa Soccer's ODP seeks to establish a process, approved by Iowa Soccer, and not in conflict with Region II, US Youth Soccer or US Soccer, for identifying and training talented male and female youth soccer players in Iowa and to provide each player the best opportunity to qualify for Iowa Soccer, US Youth Soccer Region II and US Soccer National teams.
Goals of ODP
To identify and develop the top talent pool of players in each age group from which a US National Team will be selected for international competition. To provide high-level training to benefit and enhance the development of players at all levels. Through the use of carefully-selected licensed coaches, develop a mechanism for the enhancement of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.
Who is eligible?
Any soccer player is eligible for consideration provided that he or she meets the age requirement for the established age group. A player may tryout in a state in which he or she is eligible to be registered. A player may not tryout for ODP in more than one state. Iowa Soccer tryouts are conducted annually in August. Details are available on the tryout links
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How are players selected?
Players are selected on the basis of open tryouts, conducted by Iowa Soccer's coaches who have been recognized for their ability to identify and train highly-skilled players. In the younger birth years, a combination of scouting and invitations to players is combined with open tryouts.
Selection Process Phases.
Selection is not an easy task. The coaching staff in each age group process by several other qualified coaches from the club or league levels. Players are evaluated on four components: technique; tactical ability; fitness and athletic ability; psychological component/attitude.
What do ODP players do?
Upon selection, an Iowa ODP player is expected to participate in all pool training and activities. These activities may include friendly matches, invitational tournaments, state camp and regional camp. If players are not available for a specific event, they may be replaced by another player from their pool. Players are expected to take their commitment seriously, and should be committed to improving their individual skills as well as improving as a team player. Players are subject to the ODP Code of Conduct upon their entry into the Iowa ODP program.
What are Regional camps?
US Youth Soccer is divided into four regions, each of which offers a regional camp for state ODP teams in eligible age groups. 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 are identified for possible inclusion at national camp, pool or team participation.
What is a National camp?
National camps and interregional events are held throughout the year at various locations in the US. 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.
How do we get involved?