ODP FAQ

No. During the first 45 minutes of each training session, any player wishing to train as a GK will report to the GK training area. Here they will work with the ODP GK staff for 45-55 minutes. Afterwards they will return to their respective age groups and be incorporated into the training session.

U.S. Soccer Player Development Initiatives

In August 2015, U.S. Soccer released the beginning of new Player Development Initiatives. These include a standardization of small sided games (4v4, 7v7 and 9v9), regulated field sizes for age groups, enhanced curriculum development for coaches and a movement to clear guidelines (including defined player roles & responsibilities) for youth players. The new ODP model will reflect these initiatives in order to bring our players the most current guidelines influencing our top players.

ODP age groups are determined by birth year. Therefore, all 2007 birth year players will be grouped together, all 2008 birth year players will be grouped together, etc. If there are two teams that will be attending the Sub-Regional Event for a birth year, some age groups will be split up as the first 6 months of the year (Older), and the second 6 months of the year (Younger). This sometimes happens in the younger ODP age groups due to the varying growth rates of the players.

National camps and Interregional events are held throughout the year at various locations in the United States. The Regional Team coach or a National Staff coach is present at these events to observe, train and identify players for placement in the age group National Pool or Regional Team events.

• All players selected for this event will be invited directly by the Regional staff.
• Players will be selected based upon prior performances in Phase I – III ODP Training, Phase IV Sub-Regional Event and prior year Regional Pool training/Regional Team events.

For a breakdown of fees, please visit our Registration page.

Phase I fees cover registration, six district training sessions and a t-shirt.

The easy answer is “no”. We understand that players are going to have commitments (soccer tournaments, family activities, school obligations) that may prevent them from attending a session. Missing a session will not be held against a player. Players will be evaluated based on the sessions that they do attend. For example, if a player makes one of the six sessions, then they will be evaluated based on how they perform during that one session. The more sessions that a player attends, the more opportunities the staff will have to see and evaluate that player.

Players who are injured and cannot participate in the ODP process further need to email Bill Glaze (ODP Head Coach) directly.

We will need a doctor’s note mailed or faxed to our office before the training begins. A determination will then be made if you are able to participate in the ODP cycle for that year.

We do not require to be notified if you simply cannot make any of the training sessions. You will be evaluated on the sessions you attend.

No, we do not allow players to train with any other group unless under specific instructions from the Regional or National staff.

Players are selected to progress on the ODP Player Pathway when he/she shows an advanced level of development in at least one, and usually two or more, of the criteria listed below.

Skill: the ability to choose and effectively implement a range of techniques under pressure (I.e., dribbling, passing, control, heading, finishing, diving, parrying, etc.…).
Tactical Understanding of the Game: individual decision making within the game, field and situational awareness, problem solving, understanding of how to play in small groups, positional understanding.
Fitness and Athletic Ability: i.e., balance, agility, speed, quickness, fitness, strength.
Attitude: motivation, competitiveness, coachability, eagerness to learn new tactics and skills, openness to trying/playing new positions.

Coaches can sign up to coach ODP by following the directions given on this page.

Coaches come from within the State Association’s clubs and leagues, colleges, and high schools.

In addition, coaches from the Professional ranks – Major League Soccer (MLS), United Soccer League (USL) and National Womens Soccer League (NWSL) are also involved in a variety of the ODP Phases.

YES, YES, YES… college coaches are on Ohio’s ODP staff, Regional staff, and National staff….. as well as make guest clinician appearances multiple times throughout the year.