Olympic Development Program (ODP)

US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) is a great opportunity for players to further improve through playing with and against players from outside of their club, their community, or their state.

ODP continues to be part of a multi-channeled U.S. player pathway that provides young, aspiring players the opportunity to reach higher levels in the game. Players in Minnesota aged ten and older are offered multiple opportunities within ODP to develop in a competitive learning environment, guided by coaches who are focused and committed to aiding the player development process.

If you are a resident of Minnesota, you are eligible to participate in the Minnesota ODP regardless of the club or league you play in.

Players aged 13 – 17 process starts at a State Trial which determines a State Team Pool. Participants from the State Team Pool will then have the opportunity to be invited to participate in the State Team as well as opportunity to attend the ODP Regional Showcase Competition.

If your son or daughter has a passion for the game, wants to improve, enjoys being challenged, and has the aspiration to achieve a higher level of play, then ODP may be right for them!

ODP isn’t a substitute for club or team training, but it is a supplement to that training. Players who desire to achieve higher levels in the game will benefit greatly by participating fully in both club/team and ODP opportunities.

What to expect at evaluations?

We are focused on creating 11v11 game environments during the evaluation process. Evaluators will move players into various positions during this based on a players preferred primary position and potentially positions that may be new to a player that the evaluators believe they may be a good fit for based on the players qualities they have observed.

During all sessions, parents/observers are not allowed inside the dome or within the fenced perimeter of fields. This is to ensure that we are able to maximize space and create the best environment for the players.

How long are evaluations?

Trials take place over the course of two sessions that are approximately 75-90 minutes each. Players are encouraged to attend both Trial sessions, but if there is a scheduling conflict please email ODP@MNYouthSoccer.org and include Players Name, Gender, Birth Year, Date of Trial Session that will be missed, Conflict (club team event or other). This helps us ensure the player is evaluated at the Trial session that they will be attending.

What if I can’t attend either of the Trial dates?

If you are unable to attend either trial session, players may be invited to join the first pool session to be evaluated. If you are unable to attend Trials but are still interested in participating, please email ODP@MNYouthSoccer.org with the players name, birth year, current club, current team (league & division), primary position, secondary position as well as answer “If selected, are you able to commit to attending the Midwest Regional ODP Showcase in Ohio between June 14 – June 16? (Yes or No).

Who are the evaluators?

The evaluators are Minnesota ODP Staff coaches. The 2024 staff coaches are all college coaches representing over 20 Minnesota and Wisconsin colleges of various college divisions. This years coaching staff list can be found on the website and will be updated throughout the process.

Where do we go when we arrive?

When you arrive at the facility for every session, please visit the check-in table in front. Players will be checked-in for the session, provided a numbered bib and given instructions as to where to go.

Parents Meeting:

There will be a brief parents meeting during the second trial session. The meeting will take place in the lobby outside of the dome and will start 30 minutes after the start of the session. Parents will hear from the ODP Director and be able to ask any questions they may have about the program and process.

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?

Player Development. The opportunity to train and play with the best players in one’s age group.
Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches.
Quality competition. Games against other state associations ODP teams.
Exposure to regional and national team coaches.
The opportunity to represent one’s state, region, or country in competition.
Exposure to college coaches.

What age groups are eligible for Minnesota ODP?

For 2024, Minnesota ODP will offer programing for the below birth years:

2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011

*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.

Technique
Tactics
Fitness
Athletic Ability
Psych & Social Factors

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.