The New Jersey Olympic Development Program (ODP) recently kicked off the first phase of its training for players who were selected to join the state team. Aspiring players from all areas of New Jersey participated in training sessions that were held in Jackson, Robbinsville and Millstone.
Led by NJYS Director of Technical Operations James Galanis, these sessions included technical and tactical training that gave players the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of the ODP Coaching Staff.
“We got off to an excellent start,” said Galanis. “We have improved our coaching staff and further improved the ODP system itself. We hired directors who are overlooking each location, and we once again tweaked the ODP training curriculum that includes key areas of the game. Our ultimate goal is to identify and recommend players to the US Youth Soccer East Region, which provides a pathway to the US Youth Soccer ODP National Camp.”
Players who are selected to join the New Jersey ODP State Teams represent more than 150 clubs throughout the state.
“Our staff takes meticulous care with attention to detail as we organize and facilitate safe, fun, challenging, performance-driven environments for training and matches that are meaningful for the developmental needs of each player,” said Lou Mignone, New Jersey ODP coach. “Identifying reality-based teachable moments connected to training goals and objectives, player actions and team tactical principles is a significant component for providing to participants specific, helpful and contextualized feedback.”
NJ Youth Soccer is a National State Association body under US Soccer, with US Youth Soccer serving as the guiding leadership of ODP. Established in 1977, ODP was the first program in the country that was created to identify potential youth national team players. ODP players begin initially at the local sector before progressing to the state, regional and possibly national levels. By playing with like-talented athletes, ODP enables players to advance more rapidly in their personal development. Additionally, ODP players receive more opportunities to be scouted by college coaches.
