For Players Registered for NJYS ODP Tryouts

Welcome to the New Jersey Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) Tryouts! Below, you will find essential information and guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful tryout experience. Please read carefully and follow the instructions provided:

Arrival

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled session to allow time for check-in and warm-up.
• Wear appropriate soccer attire, including shin guards and cleats.
• Bring an inflated soccer ball, water, and any additional equipment needed for warm-up. (Note: NJYS is not responsible for lost balls.)

Check-In

• Proceed to the registration table to check in with the ODP administrative staff.
• You will receive a t-shirt with an assigned number for identification during tryouts.
• Keep your t-shirt and bring it to all tryout sessions. (T-shirts will not be replaced if lost or forgotten.)

Warm-Up Area

• Follow directions to the designated warm-up area and secure your belongings in the assigned area.
• Properly warm up before the session begins to prepare for optimal performance.

Tryout Curriculum

The tryouts will feature a variety of activities designed to assess your soccer abilities, including:

• 1v1 and 2v2 drills to showcase technical skills and decision-making.
• Small-sided games to evaluate your understanding of positioning, awareness, and teamwork.
• Coaches will look for standout performances in technical abilities, decision-making, positioning, and game awareness.

Evaluation Rating System

• Players will be assessed using a 5-to-1 rating scale: 
  • 5 = Exceptional performance
  • 1 = Needs improvement
• Evaluations will focus on: 
  • Technical Efficiency: Skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control.
  • Tactical Intelligence: Game understanding, decision-making, positioning, and awareness.

Conclusion of Tryout

• After the session, promptly gather your belongings and exit the premises.
• Timely departure ensures a smooth transition for the next group and eases parking availability.

New Jersey Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) Parent Tryout Guidelines

These Guidelines provide essential information to ensure a smooth and productive tryout experience for both you and your child. Please read and follow the instructions below:

Arrival:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of the tryout session.

• Allow enough time for parking.

  Registration:

• Accompany your child to the registration table for check-in.

• Ensure that your child is properly dressed in appropriate soccer attire, including shin

  guards, cleats, and an inflated ball.

  Maintaining Distance:

• Respect the boundaries set by the ODP staff and maintain a safe distance from the

  tryout areas.

• Avoid entering the designated playing areas or interfering with the coaching staff's

  instructions or evaluation process.

• Refrain from providing any coaching instructions or guidance to any player, including

  your own child, during the tryout session.

• Do not approach any coach during the tryouts unless it’s a medical emergency.

  Prompt Departure:

• Once the tryout session is over, promptly gather your belongings and exit the premises.

• Leave the parking area promptly to allow the next age group to arrive smoothly.

  Thank you for your cooperation, and we wish your child the best of luck in the tryouts.

General Tryout Info:

What time should I arrive at tryouts? Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the start time. 

How do I check in? On your first day of tryouts, you need to visit the registration table to receive your tryout number. 

Will I use the same tryout number for all tryouts? Yes, you will receive a shirt with your tryout number that needs to be worn to each tryout session your child attends. We ask players to retain this shirt for all tryouts and if selected for the Final Team, for the season. 

Where should I go after registering? Once you have registered, you need to leave your bag in the designated area and proceed to designated warm up area.  

Should I bring a ball? Yes, you must bring a properly inflated ball that is appropriate for your age group. 

Should I wear a specific shirt? Your child will be provided a tryout shirt at the first session they attend. This shirt needs to be worn at each session they attend.

Will water be provided? No, water will not be provided, so please come hydrated and bring plenty of water for hydration breaks. 
When do Goalkeepers Tryout? Goalkeepers tryout at the same time as their age group with our Goalkeeper Coaches.

Stage 1 Tryouts: 

Do I need to attend all four tryouts in Stage 1? Players are encouraged to attend all four tryouts in Stage 1, which increases their chances of being selected. 

Do I need to inform NJYS if I cannot attend a tryout day? No, you do not need to email us if you cannot attend. 

Do I need to check in every time I arrive at a tryout? No, you do not need to check in every time. You should come to the field wearing your tryout shirt.

When will I know if I made it to Stage 2 tryouts? Players will be notified by mid August via email if they are invited to Stage 2. 

Stage 2 Tryouts: 

When are Stage 2 Tryouts? Stage 2 Tryouts will be held on August 17th and 18th. Schedules can be found below under Stage 2 ODP Tryout Schedules.

Do I need to be invited to Stage 2? Yes, all players attending Stage 2 have been selected through Stage 1.   

Selection for ODP: 

When will I be notified? Players will be notified by email after Stage 2 tryouts if they have made their age group pool around mid September. 

Where can I find the ODP Schedule for 2024/2025? Schedules will be posted on our website in the upcoming months.

Where are ODP training sessions held? ODP training sessions will be in Central Jersey. 

Is it important that I attend all ODP events? We ask selected players to be fully committed to our program. 

Parent Information: 

Will there be a parent viewing area? Yes, there will be a parent viewing area, and we ask that parents remain in this area and refrain from communicating with players during the tryouts. 

Do parents need to be present at check-in? Parents can be present at check-in, but it is not necessary. 

Can parents/guardians drop off their kids and leave? We ask that parents remain on-site or nearby.