What are the Goals of ODP?
1. To identify a pool of players in each age group from which a United States National Team
will be selected for international competition.
2. To provide professional training to benefit and enhance the development of players at all
levels.
3. Through the use of carefully selected licensed coaches, develop a mechanism for the
enhancement of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.
Who is Eligible?
Any soccer player is eligible for consideration in the ODP provided that he or she meets the
age requirements for the established age group. A player may try out in a state in which he or
she is eligible to be registered. A player may not try out for the ODP in more than one state.
Tryouts for players in Illinois begin with the open tryouts in November and concluding at the
June State Camp with the selection of the State pool. Interested players should contact Illinois
Youth Soccer at 847-290-1577 or by e-mail to: info@illinoisodp.org
How are Players Selected?
Players are selected on the basis of open tryouts. These tryouts are conducted by Illinois
Youth Soccer coaches who are recognized for their ability to identify and train players with
superior skills. Players are also selected with scouting techniques, recommendations, and
invitations to certain players with the open tryouts.
Selection of these players is not an easy task. The Illinois Youth Soccer Director of Coaching
is assisted in the selection process by several other qualified coaches from the club or
college level. Players are evaluated on four components that make up a soccer player.
1. Technique
2. Tactics
3. Fitness and Athletic Ability
4. Psychological Component (attitude)
What do ODP Players do?
Upon selection, an Illinois ODP player is expected to participate in all activities of their team.
These activities include training sessions, exhibition matches, invitational tournaments, and
sub-regional and regional camps. If players are not available for a specific event, they may be
replaced by another player from their pool.
Players are expected to take their participation in the program seriously, and should be
committed to improving their individual skills as well as improving as a team player. Players
are subject to the Illinois ODP Code of Conduct upon entry into the program.
What are Regional Camps?
US Youth Soccer is divided into four regions, each of which offers a regional camp for state
association ODP teams in each eligible age group. Illinois Youth Soccer is located in US
Youth Soccer Region 2, along with Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio-North,
Ohio-South, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North
Dakota. The camps are designed to provide the best quality of competition and training for
participating players. During this training and competition, players who are capable of
performing at or above the regional level of play are identified for possible national camp, or
pool or team participation.
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.
What are the Benefits of Participating in the Illinois ODP?
1. Development as a player. The opportunity to train and play with the best players in one's
age group.
2. Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches.
3. Quality competition. Games against other state ODP teams.
4. Exposure to regional and national team coaches.
5. The opportunity to represent one's state, region or country in competition.
6. Exposure to college coaches.
For Further Information, Contact: Illinois Youth Soccer Association, Janet Adkins,
847-290-1577, e-mail: info@illinoisodp.org
Click here to read the 2006 ODP Fact Sheet and ODP Common Concerns.
Proud Member of: US Soccer, National Teams Program; 1801 - 1811 S Prairie Avenue;
Chicago, Illinois 60616; 312-808-1300
The Illinois Youth Soccer logos and events are trademarked and may not be used and/or reproduced without
written consent from the Illinois Youth Soccer Association.
