Will Scherer, NJ Youth Soccer

New Jersey ODP recently held a series of ODP Friendlies over Columbus Day Weekend. The games took place in various parts of the state for ODP boys and girls in the 2006-2011 age groups, with players having the opportunity to showcase their abilities in full-sided games. 

"Our intra-state games on Columbus Day allow our ODP players the chance to play full-sided games in addition to giving our coaches the chance to further evaluate our players' post tryouts,” said James Galanis, NJYS Director of Technical Operations. “We certainly got a lot out of these games. It is a great event for all involved."

The Columbus Day Friendlies expanded upon the coaching philosophies and developmental framework of New Jersey ODP, while also enabling players to implement those instructions within the context of live game action.

“The Columbus Day Match Event offered to the players a meaningful experience relative to challenging but clean competition, controlled possession with a purpose, collective defending and explosive adjustments to transitional moments within a high-quality game environment,” added Lou Mignone, New Jersey ODP Youth Coaching Director.  

The Olympic Development Program is an identification system linked to the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. The program offers its players a pathway that could lead to representing Regional and U.S. Youth National Teams. Originally established in 1977, ODP was the first program in the country designed to identify potential youth national team players. ODP players begin initially at the local sector before progressing to the state, regional and possibly national levels. By playing with like-talented athletes, ODP offers the opportunity for players to advance in their personal development and to be scouted by college coaches.

For more information about New Jersey ODP, please email [email protected]. Also, make sure to like the official New Jersey ODP Facebook Page.