The New Jersey Olympic Development Program (ODP) recently kicked off its 2024/2025 season with an Intro Night Webinar hosted by James Galanis, NJYS Director of Technical Operations. The webinar highlighted key topics including program achievements, challenges, updates for the season, the benefits of New Jersey ODP and an overview of the training curriculum. Additionally, an exciting new partnership with World Strides Tour Company was announced.
Throughout the year, New Jersey ODP will participate in training sessions and tournaments against State ODP Programs from regions such as Eastern Pennsylvania, Eastern New York, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia. They will also compete with all 15 state associations in the East Region ODP Tournament.
Galanis outlined this year’s training topics, which includes possession, defending, attacking, defensive and attacking transitions, and set plays, all delivered by skilled coaches who cultivate a competitive learning environment.
Another notable announcement was the new partnership with World Strides Tour Company that will provide New Jersey ODP players with a unique nine-to-ten-day international experience, featuring three to four games, professional team visits, stadium tours and cultural excursions. This season’s international destinations include Scotland, England, Spain and Italy.
On behalf of NJ Youth Soccer and New Jersey ODP, we would like to extend our gratitude to the players and families who joined us for the 2024/2025 ODP Intro Night Webinar.
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 the New Jersey ODP, please email odp@njyouthsoccer.com. Also, make sure to like the official New Jersey ODP Facebook Page.