WHAT IS ODP?
To identify players of the highest caliber on a continuing and consistent basis, which will lead to increased success for the U.S. National Teams in the international arena.
The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program was formed in 1977 to identify a pool of players in each age group from which a National Team will be selected for international competition; to provide high-level training to benefit and enhance the development of players at all levels; and, through the use of carefully selected and licensed coaches, develop a mechanism for the exchange of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.
ODP is a nationwide process dedicated to the identification and training of players for State, Regional, and National Teams. US Youth Soccer ODP has programs in all 55 State Associations and the United States is divided into four (4) ODP Regions – Kansas is a part of Midwest Region. Regional teams are selected for both boys and girls. Regional players are eligible to participate in future Midwest Region ODP events along with National Training Events – getting exposure to Youth National Team Staff.
ODP age groups are based on the birthyear and have a January 1-December 31 cutoff date.
Eligible players change every seasonal year for U12 – U17 based on the Age Matrix.
Tryouts are held during late July through August and are for players in certain age groups in order to be eligible. Click below to get more information on the tryout process and the Kansas ODP Selection Pathway for the current cycle.
Kansas ODP Staff is a mix of coaches from the University & College level, from High School to Club level and even Professional levels. Coaches in ODP have some sort of Coaching Education certification (United Soccer Coaches) or Coaching Licenses from the U.S. Soccer Federation. They have cleared a Background check and completed the mandatory SafeSport requirements. They have experience in teaching and developing players at the youth levels of the game.
ODP events that you will find out Kansas ODP teams playing in representing Kansas.
Get updates on ODP from US Youth Soccer and Kansas Youth Soccer to see what the latest is and what accomplishments our ODP players have had.
See the history of previous players that have been apart of the ODP State Pool teams which include players that have gone on to play professionally and even be selected to FIFA World Cups.
Kansas ODP is an enrichment opportunity for a player in addition to his/her club team. ODP targets elite players born in various eligible birth years. Elite players must possess a high degree of technical proficiency and comfort/mastery of the ball; tactical awareness and understanding of how to play the game with and without the ball; physical athleticism to compete and have success versus their peers; and psychological mindset to work harder than most, can overcome adversity and mistakes, can follow instructions and be open to new ideas and ways to play the game, and to push themselves to reach outside their comfort zone.
Kansas ODP has produced players who have gone on to do some fantastic things in the sport of soccer. Some past ODP alums to name a few – Matt Besler (US MNT, MLS-SKC); Frances Silva (West Virginia, NWSL-FCKC); Dorian Bailey (U15-18 USWNT, NWSL-Washington Spirit); Adrianna “AD” Franch (USWNT, OSU, NWSL Portland Thorns); Parker Roberts (U15-U20 WNT, Blue Valley North); Maycee Bell (U16 WNT, Trinity Academy HS, UNC).
ODP starts at the state level. Kansas ODP follows three simple Phases. At the conclusion of each Phase, players will be selected and “INVITED” to continue to the next Phase. As you participate in each Phase, there will be a fee associated to cover basic expenses to operate and provide the necessary staffing.
KANSAS ODP CONTACTS
Director of Kansas ODP | Kansas ODP Administrator |
Paul Fabry Director of Coaching KANSAS YOUTH SOCCER pfabry@kansasyouthsoccer.org | Amy Cramer Kansas ODP Admin KANSAS YOUTH SOCCER odpadmin@kansasyouthsoccer.org |