Sky Blue FC and the New Jersey Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) will officially extend their partnership into the 2018-19 season, with registration now currently open for ODP tryouts and the Young Olympians Program.
Programming for Young Olympians will begin in July and August. The Young Olympians Program, designed specifically for players born in 2008 and 2009, is an introductory stage for players who aspire to play at a high level and provides a pathway to participate in ODP. Players’ abilities will be assessed, and the sessions will be segmented so that players are training with others of like ability. Sessions are hosted in three regions (south, shore/central and north) to facilitate participation throughout the state.
- Register for Young Olympians: Click Here
- Boys/Girls Schedules: Click Here
- FAQs: Click Here
While the programs are customized for each age group, the Young Olympians Programs include three training sessions, a training camp and a festival featuring small-sided games. Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $150. To ensure a proper training environment, registration for each Young Olympians (2008 and 2009) group will be limited to 40 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 desiring to participate.
NJ Youth Soccer has also set the dates for its 2018 ODP tryouts, with sessions planned for July 28-29 and August 11-12. Tryouts will be hosted in four locations to provide accessibility throughout the state (Deptford, Bordentown, Budd Lake, Wall).
- Register for New Jersey ODP tryouts: Click Here
- 2002-2007 Boys ODP Tryout Schedules: Click Here
- 2002-2007 Girls ODP Tryout Schedules: Click Here
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. Through the tryouts process, New Jersey ODP will select a group of elite male and female players from each age group to form the final state team that trains and competes during the 2018-2019 season. State team players 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.
Over the years, Sky Blue FC has seen a number of players arrive at the club who played for New Jersey ODP as a youth player. One such alumna is Madison Tiernan, a member of two national championship sides while participating in ODP.
For more information about New Jersey ODP and Young Olympians, email the organization at odp@njyouthsoccer.com, call (609) 490-0725 or visit them online.
