District IX - California Youth Soccer Association

Olympic Development Program (ODP)

Purpose of the Olympic Development Program

The Olympic Development Program is a national process for identifying and developing those boys and girls who will receive an invitation to the Annual State ODP Camp. This process is the first step in the selection of the State, Regional and National ODP Teams.

Each year several players from all over CYSA-North are selected for national boys and girls teams. ODP provides the ultimate experience and training for the players selected. District IX's ODP players compete against players from other districts within CYSA-North, ultimately leading to the selection of state, regional and national ODP players. This program opens numerous opportunities for our youth players.

The ODP tryouts are open to all District IX CYSA registered players. Non-CYSA registered players will need to complete a registration form which includes a parent's signature and a copy of your birth certificate. If you are already a member of the State, Regional or National teams, you are not eligible for this process. Your current status automatically entitles you to an invitation to the State Camp. All other players must be selected at the District level to be eligible for an invitation to the State Team tryouts. You may play on an ODP team and your Club or League team at the same time.

District IX ODP tryouts are held in the spring of each year, while the state tryouts are held in March of the following year. Regional camps are generally held in late June or July.

Players: District IX's Olympic Development Program (ODP) 2007-2008 tryouts will be held on Sunday, April 22nd. There are two (2) tryouts on this day (see application for schedule) and players are required to attend both tryouts to be eligible. The application has also been posted on this website for your convenience. Completed applications are due with the registration fee of $10 by April 16th.

There will be no District ODP pools for players born in 1991. Open tryouts for 1991 players who would like to be invited to State ODP tryouts in March 2008 will be held as usual in summer or fall (such as on ODP Play Dates). Dates and locations for tryouts will be posted on the CYSA-N website. (http://www.cysanorth.org)

Parents' and Players' perspectives, concerns and areas for improvement are important to this program. We appreciate you taking the time to give us your comments and observations.

Thank you for your support and participation in the District IX Olympic Development Program.

Frequent Asked Questions

Q: Is ODP a big commitment?

A: Yes, ODP is a big commitment if you are one of the players chosen. You are expected to participate in 1 practice sessions or games per week, which can begin right after tryouts and continue through the summer. There are also extra practices and/or scrimmages to prepare for ODP Play Dates in September and October.

Q: How long is the District IX ODP Season?

A: The ODP District season runs from mid-May until mid-October, at which time the selections for invitation to the State ODP pool are made.

Q: When are ODP practice days and where are the practices held?

A: Each coach selects his or her own practice days and fields. Fields are at a premium in District IX, but coaches try to secure a field which is centrally located whenever possible.

Q: Will participating in ODP conflict with my club team?

A: ODP should not conflict with your club/league team.

Q: Will I receive confirmation that my child is registered for ODP?

A: No. Just assume that he or she is.

Q: Should I enclose a copy of my child's birth certificate?

A: Not at this time. It is only necessary if your child is selected for the District IX Olympic Development Program.

Important information

The District ODP pools train for the "District Play Days" held in September and October on non-tournament Sundays, when no league games are scheduled. Once a player has made the District Pool, an additional fee may be assessed to each player. Each player that is selected for a District team will receive a white T-shirt and a royal blue T-shirt that will be used at all of the "District Play Days

What are the Benefits of Participating in US Youth Soccer ODP?

  1. Development as a player. The opportunity to train and play with the best player's in one's age group.
  2. Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches.
  3. Quality competition. Games against other state association 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 more information about the District IX ODP Coordinator