The New Jersey Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) announced today that it will begin programming for Young Olympians (birth year 2006) and Club NJYS (birth year 2007 and 2008) on Saturday, November 18. Sessions for both programs will be hosted regionally (south, shore/central and north) to facilitate participation throughout the state.
Registration for Young Olympians and Club NJYS is now open: Young Olympians | Club NJYS
Young Olympians, which is designed specifically for athletes born in 2006, is the next step for players who are preparing for New Jersey ODP. Players will be selected for the multi-session program after two initial tryout sessions. Young Olympians will focus on improving technical ability and tactical awareness while exposing players and parents to a U.S. Youth Soccer and New Jersey ODP environment.
“The Young Olympians Program identifies young aspiring players looking to get acclimated in the Olympic Development Program,” said James Galanis, New Jersey ODP Technical Director. “It is a great way to get used to competing with those with aspirations of becoming elite players.”
Club NJYS, which is designed specifically for athletes born in 2007 and 2008, is an introductory stage for players who aspire to play at a high level. Club NJYS provides a pathway to participate in Young Olympians and New Jersey ODP. Player ability will be assessed in Club NJYS, and the sessions will be segmented so that players are training with others of similar ability.
“It has been exciting to see so many young players join the Club NJYS program,” Galanis continued. “Building a solid foundation of skill is the first step towards becoming an effective soccer player, and with Club NJYS, we are able to make that introduction.”
In addition to being customized for each age group, Young Olympians and Club NJYS include training sessions and a festival that features small-sided games (pre-registration is required). To ensure a proper training environment, registration for each Club NJYS (2007/2008) group will be limited to 50 players on a first come, first served basis. If demand exceeds capacity, NJ Youth Soccer will create a waiting list and seek solutions for those individuals who want to participate. For Young Olympians (2006), there is a tryout process with a maximum of 100 players permitted in each region. After tryouts conclude, area training teams of approximately 30 players will be identified.
Visit the official website of NJ Youth Soccer for more information on Young Olympians and Club NJYS. Also make sure to like the New Jersey ODP Facebook page.
To contact New Jersey ODP, please email odp@njyouthsoccer.com, and make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer
