ODP (Olympic Development Program)
March Training Sessions and Timeline for Camp Selections
We will be holding make-up training sessions on Sunday, 3/14 for the 93-95 Girls (Springdale and North Little Rock) and 93-95 Boys (Springdale only). If playing conditions remain favorable, then the final training session of the month for players in all age groups will be on Sunday, 3/28.
The coaching staff will make the initial selections for all Regional and Subregional Camps during the first week of April. This means that the 3/28 session will be the final opportunity for players to showcase their abilities before the selections are made.
Our focus remains on long-term player development, so all players currently in the state pools should plan on attending all training sessions and in-state events listed on the schedule through the Summer. This is true even for those players not on the initial camp selection lists, as they are considered to be "alternates" to attend each camp. It is likely that at least one player from each age group who was not on the initial selection list will ultimately be asked to go to the region camp, as injuries, illnesses, and other factors often prevent a player from going to camp at the last minute.
No ODP on February 21st
We will not be making up the previously-canceled session for the girls in Central Arkansas on Sunday, 2/21. The forecast as of 2/19 is calling for heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout Sunday. We will plan on making up the session for the girls in the 96-98 age groups on Sunday, 3/7, and will make an announcement regarding a make-up date for the girls in the 93-95 age groups during the first week of March.
New Locations for Training on February 14th
Due to extensive snow and rain across the state this week, our regular training fields are expected to be unplayable for the next several days. As a result, we will be holding our 2/14 training sessions on turf fields at the following locations:
- Central Arkansas
- 93/94/95 Boys ... North Little Rock HS ... 1-3pm
- 93/94/95 Girls ... North Little Rock HS ... 3-5pm
- 96/97/98 Boys ... Cabot HS ... 1-3pm
- 96/97/98 Girls ... Cabot HS ... 3-5pm
- Northwest Arkansas
- 93/94/95 Boys ... Bentonville HS ... 1-3pm
- 93/94/95 Girls ... Bentonville HS ... 3-5pm
- 96/97/98 Boys ... Heritage HS ... 12:30-2:30pm
- 96/97/98 Girls ... Heritage HS ... 2:30-4:30pm
Note that all training times remain as previously scheduled except for the 96/97/98 players in Northwest Arkansas, who will start 30 minutes earlier than originally planned (to accommodate facility requirements).
Also, please remember that all players must re-register for the Spring Segment in advance at the following link:
ODP Spring Segment Update
We posted the list of all players selected to participate in the upcoming ODP Spring Segment on January 20th, and sent out an email to all players at that time. This list applies to players in the 93-97 age groups, and selected players now need to confirm their participation and pay the $50 training fee for the Spring.
All players born in 1998 are invited to continue in the ODP Academy training through the Spring, and we will accept new players into the Academy groups for the Spring as well.
All remaining ODP dates for the 2009/10 season have been posted on the ODP Schedules page, including training dates for the Spring and camp dates in the Summer.
ODP Plans for 2009/10!
This year, we are replacing the traditional "tryouts" format with a restructured "Winter Segment" of training and competition. During this phase, which will run from mid-November through mid-January, players will receive training from a highly-experienced coaching staff while also being evaluated for selection to the Arkansas State Team Pools. To help minimize travel time, players will be able to train either in Springdale or in North Little Rock, and most players will participate in an 8v8 competition in Fort Smith in January.
To learn more about this year's ODP plans and the changes we have made to improve the program this year, please see the links below:
ODP Registration and Training Costs
Alex Carter Named to National Team!
Following her participation in the US Soccer National Identification Camp, Alex Carter was named to the United States U14 Girls National Team for the upcoming year. The camp was held July 26 through August 1, 2009 on the campus of Cal Poly Pomona, and included over 100 girls from across the country. Alex was one of 36 players who was selected to return to California on August 23, 2009 for a training camp at the Home Depot Center. Most recently, she was named to the 95 Girls Region III Team for their upcoming trip to Costa Rica.
 US National Team legend Kristine Lilly (top center, white shirt) spoke to the players at the 2009 Region III ODP Camp in Montevallo, AL. Over the course of an hour, she described her path to success and shared her thoughts on how younger players can pursue their dreams of playing at the highest levels of the game. |
The following players have been selected to their respective Region Team Pools following their participation at the 2009 Region Camps in Alabama...
- John Lung'aho - 92 Boys
- William Hidalgo - 93 Boys
- Alex Carter - 95 Girls
- William Hastings - 96 Boys
More ODP Information
To check the status of fields in the event of inclement weather, please call the ASSA Hotline at:
(501) 833-0550 x16
Robert Parr, ASSA Director of Coaching
Visit the Region III ODP Website
Our Mission
The mission of ODP is to identify players of the highest caliber on a continuing and consistent basis, which will lead to increased success for the Arkansas and Region III ODP teams.
Our Purpose
The Arkansas US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) was formed to identify a pool of players in each age group from which a regional team will be selected for national competition; to provide high-level training to benefit and enhance the development of players at all levels; and, through the use of carefully selected, and licensed coaches, develop a mechanism for the exchange of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.
Player Identification
ODP is designed to benefit the advanced and highly-motivated player. To participate, players must be registered on a team with an ASSA member association.
We encourage coaches of competitive players to assist in this process of identification of our truly elite Arkansas players. Competitive coaches may be contacted by the State Team Age Group Coach and asked to give their recommendations of talented players on their team. Coaches are encouraged to complete the player recommendation form and submit it at any time during the year.
Classic-level players are also encouraged to "nominate themselves" by registering for the ODP Winter Segment. During a series of training sessions and events in November, December, and January, players will be evaluated on their physical, technical, and tactical abilities. In January, a reduced pool of players will be invited to continue training and competing during a Spring Segment. Between February and April, further evaluations will be made in each of the age group state pools, leading to a final round of invitations to represent Arkansas in Subregional and Regional ODP camps and competitions.
Training
On average, training will take place at least once a month between November and April. If scheduling permits, other events may be arranged during this time. To the extent possible, inclement weather make-up dates will be announced in advance to make it easier for players, coaches, and families to plan. Please check the ASSA web site throughout the year for the latest scheduling details, including field locations and times.
Regional Camp
US Youth Soccer is divided into four regions; each offers a region camp for Youth Association State Teams (ODP) in each eligible age group. At the Regional Camps in July, Arkansas State Teams will compete against the rest of the southern states. The camps are designed to provide high level competition. Players who are capable of performing at a higher level of play are identified and selected for National Pool and National Team participation.
National Camp
National Camps and Interregional events are held throughout the year at various locations in the United States. The National Team Coach or National Staff Coach is present at these events to observe, train, and identify players for placement in the National Pool or on the National Team.
Benefits of ODP
For the truly gifted and committed soccer player, ODP provides greater exposure to college, regional, and national staff coaches. Throughout the year, players receive training that will reinforce the demands of the game at the higher levels of competition.
Players are challenged by working with the top players from across the state while competing against the best-of-the-best from the other states spanning the southern US. ODP pushes players to reach another standard beyond the local level, ranging from state competition, to regional pool, to regional team, to national pool, and ultimately to international competition as part of the US National Team.
Moreover, the experience of playing with new players who compete against you from other club teams is socially rewarding. The increased responsibility and self-discipline required to be successful at this level teaches life lessons that are invaluable for many years.
