Tryouts Set for Weekends of July 28-29 and August 11-12
New Jersey Youth Soccer has officially set the dates for its 2018 Olympic Development Program (ODP) tryouts, with sessions planned for July 28-29 and August 11-12. Similar to the past two years, one tryout date is expected in the north, south, shore and central regions to create accessibility for players throughout the state.
To register for New Jersey ODP tryouts: Click Here
“We are excited to announce the dates of our ODP tryouts,” said James Galanis, Technical Director of New Jersey ODP. “These tryouts enable us to identify top athletes throughout the state and help them continue in their advancement as players. We will host tryouts on four different dates, and we strongly encourage all trialists to participate in multiple sessions.”
All players are encouraged to attend more than one session to further strengthen their chance of selection into the program. Once a $40 registration fee has been paid, athletes will be allowed to participate in all four tryouts. Specific times for each age group will be posted on the NJ Youth Soccer website.
Through the tryouts process, New Jersey ODP will select a group of elite male and female players from each age group to form a final state team that trains and competes during the 2018-2019 season. Players on the state team will be considered for U.S. Youth Soccer East Region Teams, which may offer opportunities for international competition. Players will be selected by New Jersey ODP coaches who have been recognized for their ability to identify and train players with superior skills. Candidates are evaluated in four key areas: Technique, Insight, Mindset and Athleticism.
NJ Youth Soccer is a National State Association body under U.S. Soccer, with U.S. 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.
“ODP has provided me and other college coaches exposure to top talent in New Jersey,” said Scott Baker, head men’s soccer coach at Rowan University and a member of the New Jersey ODP Committee. “ODP is a proven pathway for players to compete at the college level as demonstrated by the men and women who have played at the great schools throughout the state.”
For all of the latest news regarding New Jersey ODP, make sure to follow the official ODP page on Facebook. To contact us directly, please email odp@njyouthsoccer.com and follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
