What is the Olympic Development Program?
The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program, or ODP as it's more commonly known as, is a National, Regional and State identification and development program for high level players. In addition, it serves as a recruiting tool for college coaches.
What are the benefits of participating in Minnesota ODP?
What age groups are eligible for Minnesota ODP?
For 2024, Minnesota ODP will offer programing for the below birth years:
*2012 birth year players are able to play up with the 2011s and able to receive an invitation to the 2012 Midwest Regional Player ID Camp in July.
What player qualities are ODP coaches looking for?
We are looking for the application of the below qualities in 11v11 game environments.
How long are sessions?
Trials will take place over the course of two sessions that are approximately 75 to 90 minutes each. Players are encouraged to attend both Trial sessions, but if there is a scheduling conflict, they are able to attend the session that works for their existing schedule.
What if I am unable to attend either Trial session?
Players that are not able to attend either of the two Trial sessions may be invited to join the first Pool Training session. Please email ODP@MNYouthSoccer.org with the players name, gender, birth year, current club, current team (league & division), primary position, secondary position and answer "If selected, are you able to commit to attending the Midwest ODP Regional Showcase in Ohio from June 14 - June 16? (Yes or No).
Who are the Evaluators?
The evaluators are Minnesota ODP Staff coaches. The 2024 staff coaches are college coaches representing over 25 Minnesota and Wisconsin colleges of various college divisions.
Each age group will have a head coach for the age group that will be supported by other age group head coaches as well as goal keeper coaches.
Do I get a shirt or any apparel?
Before every session players will check-in and are given a bib to be worn during the session and returned when the session is complete. Players invited to join the State Pool for their age group will be required to order a uniform (2 jerseys, shorts & socks) that will be worn at pool training and used as game uniforms at events. The 2024 ODP cycle is the first year of a two year cycle for these uniforms. Players will also have the opportunity to purchase additional Minnesota ODP apparel and bags if they'd like.
When is the Midwest Regional Player ID Camp?
The Midwest Regional Player ID Camp is held in early July each year. Both genders have their own separate camps. Following the camp a Midwest Region Pool is selected and those players are invited to participate in the ODP Inter-Regional Event where they will participate on the Midwest team and compete against other region teams.
Can I still be invited to the Midwest Regional Player ID Camp if I can't attend the ODP Regional Showcase event?
Players are evaluated throughout the process for invites to the Midwest Regional Player ID Camp starting at the Trial sessions through the Regional Showcase event. The Regional Showcase event is an important aspect of the evaluation process, to be able to see players in a competitive environment against other states top players. Players that are unable to attend the Regional Showcase event are still eligible to receive an invite to the Midwest Regional Player ID Camp, but it should be noted they will have less time and opportunity to showcase their talent than those who are able to participate in the Regional Showcase event.
Will I receive a written evaluation?
There are no written evaluations given to players following any portion of the program. Coaches do their best to provide players feedback throughout the process, but with the amount of player involved we are not able to provide individual evaluations. All players are encouraged to interact with the coaching staff during the sessions and seek out feedback and advice when time allows.