The US Youth Soccer ODP Selection Process
New Jersey Youth Soccer conducts ODP try-outs on an annual basis. Registered players attend Stage 1 try-outs and if selected proceed to Stage 2. Selected players from state 2 try-outs represent New Jersey ODP for the upcoming cycle.

How are Players Selected?
Players are selected on the basis of open tryouts. These tryouts are conducted by coaches who are recognized for their ability to identify players with superior skills. NJYS combines scouting techniques and invitations to certain players with the open tryouts. Players are evaluated on the four components that make up a soccer player:

ODP FAQ’S

Do I need to attend all try-outs?

You do not need to attend all try-outs. However, the more you attend the more opportunity you give yourself to be seen by our coaches. The more we see you, the more data we can collect. 

When will I be notified if I made the team?

The results of Stage 1 and Stage 2 tryouts are generally announced within 14 days of tryout dates. 

Can I continue to play on my club team if I play ODP?

Yes, you can still play for your club team. ODP is a talent identification program and not a year-round club team.  The program is designed to compliment the club team experience.

Is attendance mandatory? 

Yes, attendance is mandatory. ODP expects fully committed players. 

How do I pay?

There are various paying options for ODP. You can pay in full or by installments once you are invited onto the final state team.

How am I selected to the US Youth Soccer Regional Camp?

Players are recommended to the US Youth Soccer Regional Camp by their coaches. At the end of each ODP cycle, NJ ODP submits our recommendation to the East Region, which then selects the players to attend the East Region camp. 

Regional/National Selection

What are Regional Camps?
US Youth Soccer is divided into four regions and each offers an identification camp for state association ODP teams within each group. The camps are designed to provide to participating players high level training and competition. It is within this environment that identification is made of players capable of performing at a higher level of play which can potentially include invitation to national team camp, pool, or team participation. Each region varies somewhat in terms of logistics and the costs of their respective camps. Your state association or regional administrator should be contacted for more information.

What is a National Camp?
National Camps and Interregional events are held throughout the year at various locations in the United States. The National Team Coach or a National Staff Coach is present at these events to observe, train, and identify players for placement in the national pool or on a national team.

History

Program Description History
The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program was formed in 1977 to identify a pool of players in each age group. In 1979, the program expanded, the organization became more efficient and multi-year plans were developed. State Associations were encouraged to develop programs which supported and worked in tandem with National and Regional programs. At the beginning of 1982 a formalized program for girls was created, with the addition of a full committee (one member from each Region).

Current Organization
From 1982 until the present, international events for youth national teams have increased substantially and the US Youth Soccer ODP has kept pace by instituting trials and player pools for five age groups in the boys' program, and five age groups in the girls' program.