Arkansas Olympic Development Program 2005/2006

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What is O.D.P.? The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is a national program to identify players who may eventually be selected to a United States national team. The ODP is a multi-step process that begins at the state level and continues to the regional and national pools and teams. The Arkansas State Soccer Association ODP coaches identify pools of players in each age group from across the state and bring them together, to train and develop them for a higher level of play. It is unique, in that, it is one of the few programs that are designed for the individual. While teams are selected at the various levels, it is individual players that are identified and moved to the next level, not teams. The program provides the opportunity for talented players to come together in a setting where knowledge can be gained from both coaches and other players.

Benefits:

• Recognition as a high level player by the United States Youth Soccer Association, which is a player identification vehicle.

• Development as a player. The opportunity to train and play with the best players in one's age group.

• Quality training from top soccer coaches in the state and region.

• Quality competition. Games against other state ODP teams.

• Exposure to regional and national team coaches.

• Exposure to college and university coaches.

Last year, Adam Sobel, Ian Goodman, Samuel Tejada, Trent Morgan and Caroline Allen were selected for regional pools. Trent Morgan was selected to the 88 regional team and attended national camp with the Region III pool and has now been chosen to attend Cocoa Beach, Florida over Thanksgiving for seven days to participate with the 88 team in interregional play. Caroline Allen also was selected to the 87 regional team. She also attended ESP National Camp (Elite Soccer players). She also will attend the interregional play in Florida over Thanksgiving for seven days. This is a great achievement for Arkansas soccer and shows that we are now developing players for the next level. The Arkansas Olympic Development Program will give you a great opportunity to compete at the next level - state, regional team or national team.

The Process: The team you would be on is determined by what calendar year you were born in:

• `87 Born in Calendar Year 1987
• `88 Born in Calendar Year 1988
• `89 Born in Calendar Year 1989
• `90 Born in Calendar Year 1990
• `91 Born in Calendar Year 1991
• `92 Born in Calendar Year 1992
• `93 Born in Calendar Year 1993

92 and 93 boys and girls will work out twice a month, attend Development Camp in June and, if schedule allows us, attend a tournament. There is a possibility that players from these two ages may be moved up and invited to attend the Regional Camp with the 90's. 

Closing: We have put together an ODP committee to oversee the program this year and are encouraged by their commitment to the players from the state of Arkansas. We want to encourage players to participate in the tryouts. Burns Park and Lewis Fields will be the locations of tryouts. Please do not use travel and location as an excuse not to tryout. Let's be enthusiastic and make this season the best ever for the Olympic Development Program. One of the goals of the ODP is to advance youth soccer to its highest level in exposing players to opportunities to compete regionally and ultimately represent the United States in international competition. We, as ASSA, can achieve this goal with the support of the entire soccer community. 

Please call 501-833-0550 ext. 16 or www.arkansassoccer.org for more information.

Yours in Soccer, 

Julian Owen 
Director of Coaching 
Arkansas State Soccer Assn.