Eastern Pennsylvania ODP
ODP Purpose:
To identify and provide opportunities for high potential players, facilitate their development, expose them to the next level of their chosen pathway and motivate their pursuit of excellence.
The Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association Olympic Development Program (ODP) aims to offer young players several key opportunities for growth and development:
- Additional Training and Playing Opportunities: ODP provides training sessions and playing opportunities beyond regular club activities. It also serves as a platform for players to showcase their skills to ODP regional scouts and college coaches, potentially opening doors for higher-level opportunities.
- Representation at Various Levels: Selected players get the chance to represent Eastern Pennsylvania at regional, national, and even international events.
- High-Level Competition and Coaching: ODP ensures that players engage in competitive training sessions and friendlies against other State Association ODP teams. Players will receive instruction from USSF licensed coaches. The coaching is designed to refine technical skills, improve tactical understanding, and foster a competitive spirit among players.
- Aligned with USSF and USYS ODP Philosophies: This alignment ensures that players receive training and opportunities that is consistent with national standards, preparing them not only for current competitions but also for potential future opportunities at higher levels of play.
ODP By The Numbers:
2023-2024 Season: 112 EPA ODP Players Invited to Regional ID Camp
2023-2024 Competition Year: 22 EPA ODP Players selected to East Interregional Teams.22 EPA ODP Players selected to East Interregional Teams.
ODP Calendar
Tryouts
Coaching Staff
ODP International Trips
Boys Teams
Girls Teams
Notable ODP Alumni
Training & Games FAQ
How many Training Sessions will be offered to my player?
The ODP season is comprised of a minimum of 10 Training Sessions. Training sessions may be adjusted or rescheduled based on weather or upcoming events.
Where are the Training Sessions held?
U12-U14 teams are location-based to allow for more convenient travel. U15-U17 teams will train at USTC in Downingtown, PA, and The Proving Grounds in Conshohocken, PA.
Locations for training may change slightly due to weather and conflicts.
How many players make the team?
Our U12-U14 will train in “ODP Training Pools”. At U12 there will be approximately 24 players in a training pool, at U13 and U14 there will be approximately 36 players in a training pool.
At U15-U17 we believe in consolidating our teams to craft a single roster of approximately 22 players.Locations for training may change slightly due to weather and conflicts.
Why using training pools?
We believe using training pools will provide depth and motivation among our players. Each pool is coached by the same coaching staff which allows for fluidity when crafting teams for friendlies and events. To stay true to our core values and that which ODP stands for (development) teams are not tiered, but rather crafted based on availability and position. All players are expected to attend and play at ODP events.At U15-U17 we believe in consolidating our teams to craft a single roster of approximately 22 players.Locations for training may change slightly due to weather and conflicts.
How many events are there per season?
There will be 4 events per team. This includes in-house/local, regional, and national friendlies and tournaments. There will be 1 scouted event held in June (USYS ODP East Regional Tournament).
What if my player has a club team event during ODP?
We understand it is nearly impossible to craft the perfect calendar, however, we do our best by holding practices on Sunday afternoons and evenings to avoid club and school events and providing our schedule in advance. We believe club GAMES/TOURNAMENTS should take precedence over ODP TRAINING, however, ODP PLAYING EVENTS should come before CLUB TRAINING.