The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development program, often referred to as "ODP", is a nation-wide player identification and development program that has been in existence since 1977. The program is designed to identify and develop players of the highest caliber on a continuing and consistent basis in each state, the ultimate goal is to increase the success for the US National Teams. This is achieved through a strategic selection process beginning at the state level and progressing to the regional and national level.
Iowa Olympic Development Program
Iowa ODP is a critical part of our player development Performance Pathway and has a rich tradition of assisting Iowa players in progressing to US Youth Regional and National Teams, college-level programs with some progressing on to the professional level. The purpose of the program is to identify the highest caliber players, both male and female, with the goal of providing each player with the best opportunity to be considered for US Youth Region II ODP teams and US Youth National teams. The program is designed to supplement the day-to-day development taking place at the club level.
Once selected for an ODP age group, a player is presented with the opportunity to represent Iowa at the Regional and National level. Regional players have had the opportunity to travel to high level competitions in Florida, Las Vegas, San Diego, France, Spain, England, Costa Rica, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The US Youth Soccer ODP provides a systematic approach that allows players to advance as far as their ambition, ability, and application will take them.
What are the benefits of participation?
- Train, develop and perform with the best players in the State of Iowa.
- High quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches.
- High quality competition against other state association teams.
- Gain exposure to regional and national team coaches.
- Opportunity to represent one's state, region, or country in competition.
- Exposure to college coaches at all levels.
Who is eligible?
Any soccer player is eligible for consideration provided that he or she meets the age requirement for the established age group.