US Youth Soccer's elite will compete at the 2011 US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (US Youth Soccer ODP) Championships to be played March 4 and 6 at Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, Ariz. In addition to these games, the Sereno College Showcase and US Youth Soccer Far West Regional League competitions will also be taking place at the Reach 11 Sports Complex.

By: US Youth Soccer Technical Department

Player Development is a frequently discussed topic within the US Youth Soccer Technical Department. Over a the span of a few months, John Ellinger created a series of blogs dedicated to defining the qualities of what makes a US Youth Soccer ODP player. The following are his thoughts in the their entirety:

As a part of the US Youth Soccer Technical Department, we receive a lot of questions. However, the most frequently asked question is, "What does it take to be a successful US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (US Youth Soccer ODP) player?" Now, the generic reply from most US Youth Soccer ODP staff coaches when they identify a player they like is to say, "That player can flat out play."

There is nothing wrong with this assessment; in fact, the coach is paying the player a tremendous complement.  What does the staff coach see in a player to merit such an accolade? Well, this answer can be broken down into the four pillars players need to possess: Technical Qualities, Tactical Qualities, Physical Abilities and Psychological Qualities.

Team selections are now available.

Please click on the "Read  More..." link below.

If your number is below then congratulations you have made it through to the next stage of ODP which is State try-outs. The head evaluator at your age group will be in touch in the near future with more information, but these State try-outs will take place in September on a weekend when your club team will not have games. You can also check back to this website for more details.

The format this year was very different from last year with evaluators only being asked to put through players that they felt had a chance in moving onto the next level at State try-outs. The number of players put through varies per age group.

If your number is not shown then please work hard and come back and try again next year.

Thank you for your participation in the ODP program.

Andy Hulbert
ODP Coordinator

Olympic Development Program - District IV

If you are interested in the ODP, please read all of this information by clicking the "READ MORE" link below.

ODP (Olympic Development Program), which is open to all players at the district level, provides the ultimate experience and training for the players selected. District IV ODP players compete against players from other districts within CYSA-North, ultimately leading to the selection of State, regional and national ODP players. Each year several players from all over CYSA-North (including many District IV players) are selected for national boys and girls teams. The program opens numerous opportunities for our youth players.