OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The training program of choice for Virginia and D.C.’s high-level players.
State Office Contact
| Jessica Cottet | Director, Technical Department Operations | jessica@vysa.com | (540) 693-1430 ext. 222 |
What Is ODP?
The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program, or ODP as it is more commonly known, is a National, Regional, State, and District Team Identification and Development program for high-level players. The program identifies and develops youth players throughout the country to represent their State, Region, and the United States in soccer competition. In addition, the program also serves as a recruiting hotbed for college coaches.
Virginia participates in the East Region for ODP.
Players are selected on the basis of open tryouts and invitations. These tryouts are conducted by coaches who are recognized for their ability to identify and train players with superior skills. Selection of these players is not an easy task. The state association Head Coach or State Coach will, in most cases, be assisted in the selection process by several other qualified coaches.
For U11-U9 players seeking participation in a high-level training program, click here to learn more about the Developmental-Olympic Development Program (D-ODP).
Players are evaluated on the four components that make up a soccer player.
- Technique
- Tactical Understanding of the Game
- Fitness and Athletic Ability
- Attitude
There are three phases in the Virginia ODP program:
- District
- State
- East Region (Regional)
At the district level, training is held in five districts throughout the state with a total of seven training sessions. Players are required to tryout in order to earn a spot in their respective District Training player pool. The last two training sessions are known as Inter-districts. Inter-Districts are held at the Publix Virginia Soccer Training Center in Fredericksburg, VA, on two separate weekends. Inter-districts consists primarily of scrimmages between the five districts. Players’ performances at these scrimmages, and during district training sessions, will determine where or not they are selected to the Virginia ODP State team.
At the state level, players participate in a minimum of 10 training sessions (weather permitting) with an experienced coaching staff. At this stage, players are selected to attend regional events against other State ODP teams in the East Region. Not all players are selected to attend each regional event. The events for state teams start in January with the North Carolina Friendlies. The Virginia Friendlies takes place at the end of February and the ODP International Trip is held in March or April for two age groups.
At the regional level, Virginia participates in the East Region along with Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Eastern New York, New York West, Eastern Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania West, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia. US Youth Soccer East Region covers the northeastern United States.
Benefits of Participating in ODP
Explore the benefits of the Virginia Olympic Development Program:
- Exposure to Regional and National team coaches
- The opportunity to represent one’s District, State, Region, or Country in competition
- Exposure to college coaches
- Opportunity to participate in foreign tours
- Development as a player and the opportunity to train and play with the best players in one’s age group
- Quality instruction from licensed coaches
- Quality competition for those who are selected for the state team and compete in matches against other State Association ODP teams
ODP Pathway
Players are selected on the basis of open tryouts and invitations. These tryouts are conducted by coaches who are recognized for their ability to identify and train players with superior skills. Selection of these players is not an easy task. The state association Head Coach or State Coach will, in most cases, be assisted in the selection process by several other qualified coaches.
For U11-U9 players seeking participation in a high-level training program, click here to learn more about the Developmental-Olympic Development Program (D-ODP).
Players are evaluated on the four components that make up a soccer player.
- Technique
- Tactical Understanding of the Game
- Fitness and Athletic Ability
- Attitude
There are three phases in the Virginia ODP program:
- District
- State
- East Region (Regional)
At the district level, training is held in five districts throughout the state with a total of seven training sessions. Players are required to tryout in order to earn a spot in their respective District Training player pool. The last two training sessions are known as Inter-districts. Inter-Districts are held at the Publix Virginia Soccer Training Center in Fredericksburg, VA, on two separate weekends. Inter-districts consists primarily of scrimmages between the five districts. Players’ performances at these scrimmages, and during district training sessions, will determine where or not they are selected to the Virginia ODP State team.
At the state level, players participate in a minimum of 10 training sessions (weather permitting) with an experienced coaching staff. At this stage, players are selected to attend regional events against other State ODP teams in the East Region. Not all players are selected to attend each regional event. The events for state teams start in January with the North Carolina Friendlies. The Virginia Friendlies takes place at the end of February and the ODP International Trip is held in March or April for two age groups.
At the regional level, Virginia participates in the East Region along with Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Eastern New York, New York West, Eastern Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania West, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia. US Youth Soccer East Region covers the northeastern United States.
Inter-District Scrimmages
What are Inter-District Scrimmages?
After the seven District ODP training sessions, (includes Nov & Dec dates) the State ODP pool will be selected and State ODP training will begin. If your player is not named to their State ODP age group pool, unfortunately, their ODP season has come to a close. The State ODP pools will be posted on the State Training page no later than the Wednesday following the final scrimmage session. If your player is listed as a Call Back, they should attend the first State ODP pool training session, unless alternate instructions were provided from their State ODP age group Head Coach, for an additional evaluation.
High level players that purposely bypass the District ODP training sessions in hopes of going straight into the State ODP training pool, exhibit characteristics that are not conducive to top flight soccer. We are looking for players to play for Virginia that exhibit the skill, character, and work ethic to train at all levels of the program.
Events Calendar
| Date(s) | Event Name | Level |
|---|---|---|
| July 21, 2023 | West District Tryouts | District |
| July 22, 2023 | Southeast District Tryouts | District |
| August 5, 2023 | North District Tryouts | District |
| August 6, 2023 | West Central District Tryouts | District |
| August 18, 2023 | Central District Tryouts I | District |
| September 8, 2023 | Central District Tryouts II | District |
| November 18, 2023 | Inter-District Scrimmage (Girls) | District |
| November 19, 2023 | Inter-District Scrimmage (Boys) | District |
| December 2, 2023 | Inter-District Scrimmage (Boys) | District |
| December 3, 2023 | Inter-District Scrimmage (Girls) | District |
| Dec. 10 – June 4, 2024 | State Training Sessions | State |
| January 5-7, 2024 | North Carolina Friendlies | State |
| February 23-25, 2024 | Virginia Friendlies | State |
| March 26-April 4, 2024 | International Trip | State |
| June 7-9, 2024 | East Region ODP Tournament | State/Regional |
| July 2024 | East Region ODP ID Camp | Regional |
ODP Fees
The Virginia Youth Soccer Association aims to provide players the opportunity to participate in the Olympic Development Program at the lowest cost possible to families. All events are priced separately and the budget is based on costs such as transportation, hotels, meals, coaches, etc.
- Tryout Fee $40
- District Training Fee $255
- State Training Fee $350
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Tryouts & Training Sessions
For cancellation or withdrawals received five (5) or more business days prior to a tryout or start of the training sessions for which a fee has been paid, a full refund minus 10% for administrative fees will be issued to the registrant.
No refunds shall be provided for cancellations or withdrawals made within five (5) business days of a tryout or start of the training sessions. Participants will be invoiced the full cost.
Should VYSA need to cancel a training session, every attempt will be made to reschedule the session. If the session cannot be rescheduled, refunds will not be issued. If 50% or more of the training sessions have been completed and VYSA is not able to reschedule the remainder, no refunds will be issued.
Once committed to the program it is expressly understood by all players and their parents/guardians, they are responsible for all fees associated with the program. Payment is due upon completion of the player’s registration. VYSA reserves the right to suspend a player from their home club if payment is not received for any fees associated with the program.
ODP State Events
Once paid, an event fee cannot be refunded under any circumstances if a player is withdrawn from the event. Deposits are placed ahead of time based on the number of players invited and often, those deposits are nonrefundable.
If an event is canceled due to weather, the event fee will be refunded minus 10% for administrative fees.
Complete Cancellation
Should VYSA need to cancel a tryout, training season, and/or event due to unforeseen circumstances or causes beyond our control, participants will be notified as soon as possible and the aforementioned entity will issue refunds minus 10% for administrative fees to all participants registered for those programs within 10-14 business days*.
*Subject to change at the discretion of VYSA and its Board of Directors.
Financial Assistance
The Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) is a non-profit, charitable corporation devoted to promoting youth soccer in the Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia. VYSA’s Olympic Development Program makes their selections without regard to a player’s ability to pay. VYSA provides financial assistance, for those who qualify, to players whose families cannot afford to pay the full cost of participation in the Olympic Development Program.
Those requesting financial assistance for ODP fees should submit an ODP Financial Assistance Application to the VYSA State Office. While financial aid funds are limited, the financial assistance program makes this opportunity available to those in need in our community.
*For 2023-2024 financial assistance recipients, ODP player financial responsibility will be at least 50% of an events required fees. Specific amounts will be sent with the selection/invitation process.
Play with the best. Play ODP.
FAQs
U17-U12 players have an open invitation to tryout. To participate in the Virginia Olympic Development Program, players need to participate in District Tryouts. Players must tryout and train in the same district regardless of schedule conflicts with tryout dates. The tryout fee is $40.
When does registration open?
Registration for the 2023-2024 ODP season opens on June 1, 2023.
How do I register for tryouts?
To register for ODP Tryouts, click on the ‘Register Here’ button above. All registration MUST be completed online prior to the tryout date.
What should I do if I am having trouble registering in the GotSport portal?
For assistance using the GotSport registration platform, contact GotSport customer service.
Check-in Guidelines for Tryouts
Upon arrival, players should follow the posted signage to the check-in table for their specific age group. A VYSA State Office staff member will be there to confirm player’s registration, name, and provide a tryout number to be worn during the duration of the tryout session.
What should I wear to tryouts?
Players are required to wear a plain, light-colored shirt, black shorts, and black socks. Do not wear an ODP training shirt from a previous year.
What do I do if I am going to miss my tryout?
Players expecting to miss their designated tryout date are still required to register online prior to tryouts. AFTER the tryout weekend is over, players will need to reach out to their District Age Group Head Coach to secure a new date for a makeup tryout. Makeup tryouts are normally held on the first night of training in the district.
What happens after my tryout?
If selected, your player would participate in District Training if they choose to accept their invitation.
Still have questions? Contact Jessica Cottet for assistance.
What is District Training?
District ODP training is not just about the tryout process, but it provides yet another avenue from which players can grow and develop. While a player’s club is his/her “home”, district ODP training provides an environment where players are playing with and against the best players in their respective district. It is also gives the state ODP staff a chance to work with, train and gather additional information on the players before the inter-district play.
After the District ODP training sessions (two of which will be play days amongst the district pools) the state ODP pool will then be selected and the state ODP pool training will begin. Scouting will be used to supplement the tryouts by identifying players that we either missed or deserve to be back in the program.
High-level players that purposely bypass the district training in hopes of going straight into the state pool training exhibit characteristics that are not conducive to top-flight soccer. We are looking for players to play for the state that exhibit the skill as well as the character and work ethic to train at all levels of the program.
Training Session Attire
Beginning Fall 2023, ODP District Pool Players can purchase their kit from soccer.com. Search “Virginia Youth Soccer Association” for Team Store Name.
