Will Scherer, NJ Youth Soccer
New Jersey ODP recently hosted its 2022 ODP Friendlies Tournament. The Friendlies presented New Jersey ODP players with the opportunity to compete against other State ODP Teams in the Northeast Region.
Each team played in multiple games throughout the day against excellent competition, with the ages ranging from 2006 to 2011 in both the boys and girls divisions. State associations that participated in the ODP Friendlies were New Jersey, Eastern Pennsylvania and Eastern New York. The matches took place in various locations throughout New Jersey, including Jackson, Marlton, Marlboro, Kearny and Monroe Township.
“The NJ ODP Friendlies offered opportunities for the players to showcase talents while competing within high quality match environments,” said Lou Mignone, New Jersey ODP Youth Coaching Director. “The coaches were able to execute game plans and utilize a variety of teaching actions while supporting and guiding the continued development of the players.”
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 representation of the 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.
“As nations took the field in Qatar, players of the great States of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York assembled to compete and demonstrate the technical and tactical skills that they have learned so far,” added Homere Breton, Director of Youth Olympians & ODP Junior Coaching Director.
New Jersey Youth Soccer and New Jersey ODP would like to express our gratitude towards Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer and Eastern New York Youth Soccer for taking part in these ODP Friendlies. We also want to thank all the families and players who came out to support this event.
For more information about New Jersey ODP, please email [email protected]. Also, make sure to visit the program online and like the official New Jersey ODP Facebook Page.