OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE

The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program has been in existence since 1977. The program was introduced to help identify potential national team youth players through an organized series of trials which begins at the district level, progresses through the state, region and finally the national level. The program also serves as a means of development as the players identified are brought together for training and prepared for interstate, interregional and international competitions. The development of the players is taking place rapidly as talented players are brought together for training and competition at all levels. Training and playing with those of equal or greater ability is a tremendous teaching tool. The program is open to any youth player.

The higher up the ladder a player progresses, the more intense the training and playing become. The regional teams experience both interregional and international competitions on an annual basis. A pool of players is selected for each age group with the rosters changing each year as players develop at different rates. Regional players have traveled to Florida, Las Vegas, San Diego, France, England, Costa Rica, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

While the US Youth Soccer ODP is one vehicle for development and identification, it is not the only method. All programs work together to help the players attain their ultimate potential. The US Youth Soccer ODP does provide a systematic method that allows players to advance as far as their abilities allow. It serves as a form of self-evaluation in a system that is recognized by coaches at all levels.

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WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION?

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 association 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.

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DISTRICT SELECT

2010–2011 Eligible Age Groups: 1997, 1998 and 1999 ONLY

The entry level age groups for US Youth Soccer ODP participate in the District Select Program in the fall and on one weekend in the spring. The program is open to all players and includes four training sessions and two one-day festivals. At the conclusion of the process, a pool of approximately 36 players (for 1997, 1998 & 1999 boys and girls) will be identified for further training and potential selection to a regional camp in July 2011. The District Select Program offers an ideal opportunity for players to sample the program without the pressure of a traditional tryout situation.

Players of all competitive levels are encouraged to take advantage of this experience. Participation in the District Select Program is not an essential prerequisite to future participation in the US Youth Soccer ODP, however, the earlier a player's skills and potential are identified the more help it can be to the evaluations of district, state, regional and national coaches.

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STATE SELECT

2010–2011 Eligible Age Groups: 1994, 1995 and 1996 ONLY

This program is open to all players born in the eligible birth year and begins with two identification sessions in late April. At the conclusion of the identification process, a pool of approximately 24 players per age group and gender under the eligible State Select birth years will be selected for further training and potential selection to a regional camp in July 2011. Players of all competitive levels are encouraged to take part in this program

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PHILOSOPHY

The development of players in Minnesota is primarily the responsibility of our affiliate clubs and US Youth Soccer ODP should not interfere with that development. It is the responsibility of MYSA to supplement that development by identifying and allowing the best players in the state to play along side each other and against other select teams domestically and internationally. The success of US Youth Soccer ODP is a direct result of the quality of players, coaches and level of competition within Minnesota.

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CALENDAR
Unless otherwise noted, all girls regional camps are held in DeKalb, Ill. and all boys regional camps are held in Overland Park, Kansas. Holdover and Call-back camps are by regional invitation ONLY.

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HOW DO PLAYERS SIGN UP?

For the 2010–2011 seasonal year, the 12 age groups are as follows:

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HOW ARE PLAYERS SELECTED?

Beginning in September the younger age groups are selected (40–50 players) through the District Select Program, which includes training and competition. The older age groups (24-30 players) are identified through open tryouts generally held the following Spring.

A player may also be identified and asked to join at anytime during the year. It is the MYSA State Coaches' responsibility to provide the best 18 players in their respective age groups. They will scout games throughout the year looking for player talent.

Selection is not an easy task for age group coaches. The head coach uses input from other qualified coaches at the identifications to make the final selection.

Players are evaluated on the four components that make up a soccer player:

1. Skill
2. Tactics
3. Fitness and Athletic Ability
4. Psychological (attitude)

Of the components mentioned skill, the player's ability to control the ball under game conditions, is usually the determining factor.

Because of the volume of players attending selection and efforts to keep costs to a minimum we are unable to provide written individual evaluations on all players. We remain available to discuss selections with players and their coaches.

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WHAT ARE REGIONAL CAMPS?

US Youth Soccer is divided into four regions, each of which offers a regional camp for state association teams in each eligible age group. The camps are designed to provide high-level competition and training for participating players. During this training and competition, players who are capable of performing at a higher level of play are identified for possible national team camp, 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. Candidates identified at regional events may be invited to attend a national camp.

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ODP NEWS

The 1993 Minnesota Boys Olympic Development Team qualified for the US Youth Soccer ODP Championships held March 12-14, 2010 in Phoenix, Ariz. by winning the Region II ODP tournament last July. The Championships spotlights the future stars of United States soccer. Competing in the event are the best boys and girls ODP teams from each of the four regions in the ’93 and ’94 age groups. The event begins with the semi’s on Friday and the consolation and championship matches on Sunday. Dominic Running (Eagan, Minn.) does an excellent job of capturing the event from a player’s perspective (CLICK HERE for article). Thank you to the coaches and administrators who worked diligently so that you achieve this success.

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ODP REGIONAL/NATIONAL TEAM PLAYERS

The following MYSA club players, listed by birth year, were previously identified for Region II ODP Pools through the Minnesota US Youth Soccer ODP program. In 2010, 29 boys and 8 girls earned this honor. Selection to the Region II Pool opens the door to further opportunities to travel and compete with Region II ODP and U.S. Soccer National Teams. Congratulations to the following players on their accomplishments and thank you to all those who support their commitment to the game.

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