New Jersey Olympic Development Program (ODP) recently hosted its 2024 NJYS Friendlies Tournament, providing a platform for New Jersey ODP players to compete against Eastern New York ODP teams and top club teams from New Jersey and New York.
The tournament featured multiple games throughout the day, offering competitive matchups for boys’ and girls’ divisions in age groups ranging from 2008 to 2013. Matches were held at premier locations across New Jersey, including Jackson and Oceanport.
“The NJYS Friendlies allowed coaches to observe players in a game setting for the first time this season,” said Homere Breton, NJYS ODP Team Management and Young Olympians Coaching Director. “From the touch, we noted a wonderful display of players becoming acclimated with each other, while they tweaked their individual strengths and weaknesses.”
The NJYS Friendlies aim to prepare NJODP teams for the winter season, where they will participate in high-level tournaments across Maryland, Eastern Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina.
“Our coaches were able to use inclusive language, give constructive feedback and provide encouragement to create a supportive environment,” said Alex Lalaoui, NJYS ODP Coaching Director.
New Jersey Youth Soccer and New Jersey ODP would like to express their gratitude towards Eastern New York Youth Soccer for taking part in these NJYS Friendlies. We also want to thank all the families and players who came out to support this event.
“We now have a very promising foundation from which we can work,” concluded Breton. “The talent is there and those who are willing to commit to the program will have the opportunity to be identified for East Region selection.”
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 in 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 odp@njyouthsoccer.com. Also, make sure to visit the program online and like the official New Jersey ODP Facebook Page.