How Hard Is It to Make ODP Soccer? A Comprehensive Guide to Success in the Olympic Development Program

The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is one of the most prestigious youth soccer programs in the United States, known for identifying and developing the best young talent in the country. Making an ODP team is a significant achievement, providing players with elite coaching, competitive exposure, and a pathway to college soccer, national teams, and even professional opportunities. But how hard is it to make an ODP soccer team?

The journey to making an ODP soccer team is challenging and highly competitive. It requires exceptional skill, tactical awareness, physical fitness, mental toughness, and a relentless work ethic. Players are evaluated by top-level coaches against the best talents in their state and region. Success in ODP not only depends on natural ability but also on consistent training, strategic preparation, and a positive mindset.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the challenges of making an ODP soccer team, the selection process, key skills and attributes scouts look for, and practical tips to increase your chances of success. Whether you’re a player aspiring to make an ODP team or a parent looking to support your child’s soccer journey, this guide will provide valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in ODP soccer.

What Is ODP Soccer?

A. Overview of the Olympic Development Program (ODP)

• ODP is a national youth soccer program established by US Youth Soccer to identify, develop, and showcase the best soccer talents in the United States.
• Purpose and Goals:
  • Identify the most talented players within each state and region.
  • Provide elite training with licensed coaches to enhance technical, tactical, physical, and mental skills.
  • Offer exposure to regional and national scouts, college recruiters, and U.S. National Team scouts.
  • Create a pathway to college scholarships, U.S. Youth National Teams, and professional soccer careers.

B. How Does ODP Work?

• State Level:
  • Players first participate in state-level tryouts organized by their State Youth Soccer Association.
  • Selected players join the State ODP Team for training and competitions.
• Regional Level:
  • Top players from each state are invited to Regional ODP Camps.
  • Players compete against other state teams within their region.
• National Level:
  • The most talented players from each region are selected for the National ODP Pool.
  • These players may be scouted for U.S. Youth National Teams.

C. ODP Age Groups and Eligibility

• ODP is open to boys and girls aged 12 to 17.
• Age groups are categorized by birth year, following the US Youth Soccer age matrix.
• Players are evaluated within their age group to ensure fair competition and development.

How Hard Is It to Make ODP Soccer?

Making an ODP soccer team is extremely challenging due to the high level of competition, rigorous selection process, and the demanding skills required. Here’s why:

1. Intense Competition and Selective Process

• Highly Competitive Tryouts:
  • ODP tryouts attract the best players from clubs, high schools, and academies in each state.
  • Coaches evaluate players against the top talent, looking for standout performers.
• Selective and Rigorous Evaluation:
  • Only a small percentage of players make it to the state team.
  • Even fewer advance to regional and national pools.

2. High Expectations and Standards

• Technical Excellence:
  • Coaches expect players to have excellent ball control, dribbling, passing, shooting, and first touch.
• Tactical Awareness:
  • Players must demonstrate a high soccer IQ, including positioning, vision, decision-making, and understanding of game dynamics.
• Physical Fitness and Athleticism:
  • ODP players need speed, agility, endurance, strength, and quick reactions.
• Mental Toughness:
  • Confidence, focus, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure are crucial.

3. Time Commitment and Dedication

• Intensive Training Schedule:
  • ODP involves regular training sessions, state team practices, regional camps, and tournaments.
• Balancing School and Soccer:
  • Players must manage schoolwork, training, travel, and competitions.
• Year-Round Commitment:
  • ODP is a year-round program, requiring continuous commitment and development.

The ODP Selection Process: What to Expect

1. State Level Tryouts

• Open Tryouts:
  • State ODP tryouts are typically open to all eligible players, regardless of club affiliation.
• Evaluation Criteria:
  • Players are evaluated on technical skills, tactical awareness, physical abilities, and mental attributes.
• Tryout Format:
  • Technical drills (dribbling, passing, shooting, ball control).
  • Small-sided games (3v3, 4v4) to assess decision-making and tactical awareness.
  • Full-sided scrimmages to evaluate positional play and teamwork.
• Selection Outcome:
  • Coaches select players for the State ODP Pool.
  • Players who perform well in the pool are chosen for the State ODP Team.

2. Regional ODP Camps and Tournaments

• Invitation Only:
  • Only the top players from each state are invited to attend Regional ODP Camps.
• Intensive Training and Evaluation:
  • Regional camps include advanced technical training, tactical sessions, and competitive matches.
  • Players are evaluated by regional and national scouts.
• Selection Outcome:
  • Exceptional players are selected for the Regional ODP Team.
  • The best players in the region are placed in the Regional ODP Pool.

3. National ODP Pool and U.S. Youth National Teams

• National ODP Selection:
  • The most outstanding players from each region are selected for the National ODP Pool.
• Pathway to National Teams:
  • Players in the National Pool are closely monitored by U.S. Youth National Team scouts.
  • Top performers are invited to National Team training camps and international competitions.

Key Skills and Attributes ODP Scouts Look For

1. Technical Skills

• Ball Control and First Touch:
  • Ability to control the ball cleanly under pressure.
• Dribbling and Footwork:
  • Quick, confident dribbling with both feet.
• Passing and Vision:
  • Accurate passing with speed and precision.
  • Ability to see and execute creative passes.
• Shooting and Finishing:
  • Powerful and accurate shooting with both feet.

2. Tactical Awareness and Soccer IQ

• Positioning and Spacing:
  • Intelligent movement on and off the ball.
• Decision-Making:
  • Quick, effective decisions under pressure.
• Game Understanding:
  • Awareness of game flow, transitions, and tactical strategies.

3. Physical Fitness and Athleticism

• Speed and Agility:
  • Fast acceleration and agility for quick changes in direction.
• Endurance and Stamina:
  • High fitness level to sustain performance throughout the game.
• Strength and Balance:
  • Physical strength for shielding, tackling, and aerial duels.

4. Mental Toughness and Character

• Confidence and Composure:
  • Composure under pressure and willingness to take risks.
• Work Ethic and Discipline:
  • Consistent effort, focus, and dedication to improvement.
• Leadership and Teamwork:
  • Positive influence on teammates and effective communication.

How to Increase Your Chances of Making an ODP Team

1. Start Early and Develop a Strong Foundation:
   • Begin technical training early, focusing on dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control.
2. Play at a High Competitive Level:
   • Join competitive club teams, participate in tournaments, and gain experience in high-stakes matches.
3. Focus on Fitness and Conditioning:
   • Maintain peak physical fitness through speed, agility, strength, and endurance training.
4. Work with Experienced Coaches:
   • Train with licensed coaches who understand the ODP system and expectations.
5. Attend ODP Preparation Camps:
   • Attend pre-ODP camps to get familiar with drills, tryout formats, and expectations.
6. Mental Preparation and Resilience:
   • Build mental toughness, confidence, and focus.
7. Watch and Learn from Elite Players:
   • Study professional and international players to understand high-level tactics and techniques.

Is Making ODP Soccer Worth It?

Making an ODP soccer team is difficult but incredibly rewarding. The journey requires hard work, discipline, and perseverance. However, the benefits of elite coaching, national exposure, and a pathway to college and professional soccer make it worth the effort.