Will Scherer, NJ Youth Soccer
The New Jersey Olympic Development Program (ODP) recently competed in the Virginia ODP Friendlies, which were conducted for 2006-2011 Boys and Girls at Warhill Sports Complex in Williamsburg. Various state associations participated in the Virginia ODP Friendlies, including New Jersey, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia.
“The Virginia Friendlies reminded me of the February 2022 USMNT game against Honduras," said Homere Breton, New Jersey ODP Junior Director and head coach of the 2011 New Jersey ODP Girls. "The USMNT faced many challenges in that 3-0 win, the greatest of which was the -2 degrees fahrenheit weather. The Virginia Friendlies were not far from that challenge. We frequently remind players that the quickest thing on the field is the brain, followed by vision and then the ball."
As the New Jersey ODP season has evolved, players have steadily improved throughout the process. They have faced various complications but have continued to find solutions while fine-tuning their craft.
“We look for players to be creative on and off the ball,” confirmed Breton. “Finally, we ask them ‘What is your response?’ Our players responded with such grit that proved the brain is not only the quickest thing, but ultimately the strongest. On both the boys and girls sides, our players demonstrated a level of mental fitness that can only be found among true champions. With razor-sharp focus, they demonstrated a deeper knowledge of the game. I remain very impressed with their play and growth. We look forward to the upcoming training sessions.”
The 2023 Virginia Friendlies were the first time that each of the participating ODP state organizations competed together since the pandemic in 2020.
“Our first 100% all-in Virginia Friendlies post-pandemic was a great success as a US Youth Soccer official subregional event,” said Jessica Cottet, Director of Virginia ODP and Futsal Operations. “It was an honor to welcome over 100 teams from New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia and North Carolina to play in these high-level games. When you see passion and respect for the game across all aspects from players and parents to coaches and referees, it makes the friendly competition so much fun to watch!”
Gordan Miller, Virginia Youth Soccer Association Technical Director, agreed with the sentiments of Cottet.
“It is a pleasure to be able to compete against the ODP teams from New Jersey at our recent Virginia Friendlies in Williamsburg, Virginia,” said Miller. “The New Jersey teams and the players are well skilled, and they always prove to be a difficult opponent. The opportunity to play these competitive games makes our players all the more better for it.”
New Jersey ODP would like to extend its appreciation to Jessica Cottet, Gordon Miller and Virginia ODP, who spent countless hours to ensure the event was successful for each of the ODP state associations that attended.
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 visit the program online and like the official New Jersey ODP Facebook Page.