A Note to all Clubs from Rick Meana, NJYS Director of Coaching

The US Youth Soccer's Olympic Development Program, ODP as it is more commonly called, is part of a national identification and development program for high level players. ODP selection begins at the state level and moves to the regional level and national levels in various age groups. Because of its size, the United States is broken up into four regions, with New Jersey pertaining to Region I.  Logistically it would also be impossible to assess the multitude of players registered in New Jersey at one time. As such, we have chosen to evaluate players through Area and Open Tryout formats.

This is an especially anxious time for players and parents who intend on participating and trying out for the program. Sometimes players and parents alike are torn between having to make decisions to attend ODP tryouts or other athletic events. This is a difficult situation; as such, I am asking all coaches, clubs and organizations to encourage players to participate in the area/open tryouts, even if it means rescheduling their league games or other events to avoid conflicts with the area/open tryouts for ODP. It is vitally important that we get a large pool of players to evaluate. To do this, we need everyone's support.

Our duty as NJYS is to ensure that all players in New Jersey are given the opportunity to be assessed for this selective process. However, it is important to state that not every player has the potential to play at this level, only a select few have the ability.

Therefore, coaches, clubs and leagues should strongly recommend that their best players are present at these tryouts. One of the goals of the US Youth Soccer ODP program is to advance youth soccer to its highest level in exposing players to opportunities to compete regionally and ultimately represent the United States in international competition. We, as NJYS can achieve this goal with the support of the entire soccer community.

Rick

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