New Jersey ODP recently held its first training session of the 2024-25 campaign, marking the initial live event of the seasonal year. Players from various age groups participated in this session at Friendship Field in Bordentown, New Jersey.
The training started with brisk warmups gearing towards an informative and live action session for players. That was shortly followed by 4v2 rondos, with an objective of the attacking group maintaining possession of the ball under pressure from the defending pair. The drill encourages players to make quick and effective decisions under pressure while communicating clearly to coordinate movements.
After the first stage of the session was complete, players participated in 6v6+6 possession games. That was followed by set-plays defending, where the objective for defending teams is to protect the goal and defend efficiently against various set play situations while maintaining defensive organization and awareness. The drill emphasizes communication, teamwork and concentration.
“It was a pleasure to greet the cream of the crop and to welcome them to our NJODP family,” said Homere Breton, NJYS ODP Team Management and YOP Coaching Director. “It is clear to me that every player is a leader who has accepted the challenge not only to represent New Jersey – one of the greatest soccer states in the country – but to accept the opportunity to increase the level of play at the state, regional and national levels. As I scanned the fields of champions, technical abilities were greatly apparent, highlighting to us that Jersey soccer can viably meet the challenge to be stronger than ever. Now is the time to nurture technical skills and tactical awareness. I look forward to witnessing this growth and remain proud to be among those supporting this goal!”
The training concluded with small and full sided games, where players utilized the skills learned from previous drills to enhance their game in a live action scenario.
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.