The Alabama Olympic Development Program (ODP) exists to promote soccer excellence. The program is designed to identify, select and prepare the best players per age group within our state so as to best prepare ODP Teams for Regional Camp competition. The program places a premium on exposing players to college programs.
Overview of ODP - 2007 / 2008
Established in 1977, ODP is the original Olympic Development Program in the United States. Formed to identify a pool of players in each age group from which a National Team could be selected for international competition, selected players are exposed to the nation's top coaches from collegiate institutions, U.S. Soccer and the professional leagues. Programs exist in each state and with competitions such as the US Youth Soccer ODP National Championships, Interregional Training/Competition, Regional Camps and International play. ODP continues to lead the way in elite player identification and development. US Youth Soccer ODP is a program of the U.S. Soccer Federation. The Basic Steps and Process for ODP
The basic concept of ODP provides programs for training and competition. Players Tryout on a local level for the right to go to Decatur for State Tryouts for the State Pool then from the State Pool a State Team is selected. The State Teams train and play other State Teams in our Region III. From the competitions a State Team is selected to attend Regional Camp, which is basically a Regional Tryout for the Region Pool from which a Region Team is selected and yes you guessed it, then on to a National Pool and National Team. All during this process there are various training programs depending on the player’s age.
· Players born in 1995 & 1996 (97s can tryout as a 96 if they plan to attend State Pool Tryouts) attend District Tryouts in November over 2 days in Mobile. Players born in 94 through 91 do not have District Tryouts; they go directly to State Pool Tryouts.
· If selected from the District Tryouts the 95 / 96 player then goes to State Pool Tryouts in Birmingham held in December.
· If the Player goes to State Pool Tryouts they will be trying out for the Alabama ODP State Pool of 24 players for their age bracket. Some age brackets will have 2 State Pools and Teams.
· From the State Pool of 24 players the State Team of 18 players is selected for their age. The Team is selected from the Pool before each State Event the State Team plays. So if you are not selected for the first event, you can be selected for the next State Event.
· At Region Camp in July the State Teams train with and play other State Teams for the Regional Pool and Team selection process. There are 4 regions in the United States, we are in Region III. Then from the Regional Teams a National Pool and Team is selected.
Center of Excellence (COE) Training
for 1996 through 1994
One of the greatest benefits of ODP is the high-level training provided to the younger players born from 1996 through 94 (97 can train, parent makes the decision if the player is ready for the level). The training program called “Center of Excellence (COE) Training” provides high-level training in Mobile at the University of South Alabama soccer field commonly called the “Cage”. There are 10 weekly training sessions starting Monday, January 7th. The propose is to provide ongoing training for the 94 - 96 players to accelerate their development. This training is open to all players born between 97 and 94 there are no tryouts or “selection process” it’s simply training. Cost for the COE Training is free to State Pool players and for others $95 if paid by 12/15, $150 after 12/15 for the 10 sessions; registration is on the AYSA web site along with the required “Medical Release” from.
Additional General Information
· Mobile District Tryouts are November 13 (Tuesday) from 5 to 7 pm for Girls and 7 to 9 pm for Boys. If pre-registered online plan to arrive 10 minutes early for check in, if walk-up registering arrive at least 30 minutes early (you will still need to register online also). Tryouts are held at the University of South Alabama soccer field commonly called the “Cage” next to the baseball stadium on Old Shell Road. Players should attend both days.
· No cost for District Tryouts - registration is online at the AYSA web site, or walk-up (arrive at least 30 minutes early if walk-up) walk-ups will still need to register online also.
· If a player is not selected to go to State Pool Tryouts they still are encouraged to attend Center Of Excellence (COE) Training. COE Training is for all players weather they attend tryouts or not from 1996 to 1994.
· COE Training is held in Mobile at USA’s “Cage”. There are 10 sessions for the year from January 7th. Please go to the AYSA web site to pre-register. Walk-ups are welcome also, however you will need to arrive at least 30 minutes early to register and register online too so it’s best to register online.
· You are required to have a completed “Medical Release” form before a player can begin COE Training; this form is on the AYSA web site. The Medical Release is brought to the field to be held by the ODP District Administrator in the event of an injury and the parents are not available. Your player cannot train without the release, bring it with you!
· ODP District Coaching Director is Mike Varga, USA Head Coach, assisted by his assistant coaches and college players.
· Cost for COE Training is $95 (if paid by 12/15, $150 after 12/15) for all ten sessions for Non-State Pool players. Free for State Pool players. If a State Pool player has already paid the $95 it will be credited to their State Event costs. No refunds for missed sessions without a doctor’s excuse.
· For players selected at District Tryouts to attend the State Tryouts. State Tryouts are held in Birmingham over a weekend. Girls is December 2 & 3, the boys is December 9 & 10. Directions are on the AYSA web site.
· Cost for State Tryouts is $95. Registration is online at the AYSA web site. If paying by check I suggest allowing for plenty of time before the Tryouts; suggest check arrival of at least 5 days before the event.
· Each State Pool / Team will have a Team Administrator (a player’s parent); they will be your central point of contact. Volunteers are encouraged; AYSA and ODP are non-profit organizations that depend heavily on parent volunteers.
· State Training is generally the State Pools training with each other and maybe other state ODP Pools. Generally there is a selection at these training sessions for the State Team to attend an upcoming State Event.
· State Events are generally where various state ODP teams attend for training and scrimmages between each other. Such as Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina etc.
· State Training & Events cost will vary depending on where and what the state has to pay for. They are very reasonable. Typically a State Training or Event is over a weekend. Please see the AYSA web site for planned events and costs.
· Most State Events are basically like State Training in costs, some events are out of state so travel costs may be higher.
· The AYSA web site is your central place for information and updated schedules. The web site is www.alabamayouthsoccer.org then click on ODP button at the top.
· Scholarships are is available - see AYSA web site for form to apply.
Questions …. Contact the Mobile District ODP Administrator, Miles Ball at (251) 753-7607
For more information, online registration & medical release forms go to www.AlabamaYouthSoccer.org