ODP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:VA ODP = Supplemental low level pay to play.

Kids doing any organized are paying to play.

If a kid wants more soccer with different coaches/players, their family can afford it, and they are not actually expecting any kind of Olympic payoff, the problem is... what, exactly?

[Anonymous]

This program is outdated with no real goals except to give additional opportunities to get touches. The last several years I've seen them try to transform from an augmented program to travel to something that replaces travel. Dead program in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

ODP is a very weak program here in the DC/VA/MD area.

[Anonymous]

Agree that the local program is weak, but have been to the national events and the level there is ECNL level.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:VA ODP = Supplemental low level pay to play.

Kids doing any organized are paying to play.

If a kid wants more soccer with different coaches/players, their family can afford it, and they are not actually expecting any kind of Olympic payoff, the problem is... what, exactly?

The quality of the player pool. I'd argue that once the program actually hits real ODP and not just D-ODP, the quality of player drops dramatically, most players that have went on to NL programs like GA or ECNL do not do ODP. Maybe in the D-ODP years, the program can expose kids that do not get to train with first teams to a more competitive environment but once U13 hits, it goes downhill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree that the local program is weak, but have been to the national events and the level there is ECNL level.

This could be true. Programs aren't the same state to state. VYSA doesn't do a great job with VA's.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know if they adjust the groupings during practice as the kids get older? Daughter did ODP for the first time this year. Both local and state practices they had everyone together. Curious if they ever designate an A and B team and then at practice you practice with that group.

[Anonymous]

ODP is a joke. Don't waste your time unless you are on the third or fourth team for your club.

[Anonymous]

ECNLDD wrote:

Bestdaysyet wrote:I've been asked several times by parents about ODP due to the fact we have done it pre and post DA. Before the DA, it was the program all the top players attended which resulted in some really good training. My youngest tried it 4 years and we quit after making states. The talent level was very low and although he really shined, it just wasn't worth the time or money. The program really does need to be overhauled to reflect the soccer landscape of today. You will not be scouted by anyone, you will not magically become Messi, most kids are 2-3 level team players, and coaching is the same as you get in any mid to high level club. In fact, my son's coach was the 2nd team coach from his club which we thought was a step down.

If you have the funds and time, join it for what it is which is additional training. But I would rather hire a personal coach instead if I really wanted my kid to get better.

This is correct. There is a prestige factor with making the state or regional team, but if you are top level talent focus on your ECNL or GA showcases and tournaments!

Prestige factor maybe 5-10 years ago. Now it’s a little longer in the tooth than ECNL. Both had their days in the sun.

For boys, it’s MLSNext or bust. For now.

[Anonymous]

I think the singular thing ODP is good for now is for kids who are thriving and developing in small clubs and need access to quicker speed of play. I'm talking 1-2 teams per age group clubs, max

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

ECNLDD wrote:

Bestdaysyet wrote:I've been asked several times by parents about ODP due to the fact we have done it pre and post DA. Before the DA, it was the program all the top players attended which resulted in some really good training. My youngest tried it 4 years and we quit after making states. The talent level was very low and although he really shined, it just wasn't worth the time or money. The program really does need to be overhauled to reflect the soccer landscape of today. You will not be scouted by anyone, you will not magically become Messi, most kids are 2-3 level team players, and coaching is the same as you get in any mid to high level club. In fact, my son's coach was the 2nd team coach from his club which we thought was a step down.

If you have the funds and time, join it for what it is which is additional training. But I would rather hire a personal coach instead if I really wanted my kid to get better.

This is correct. There is a prestige factor with making the state or regional team, but if you are top level talent focus on your ECNL or GA showcases and tournaments!

Prestige factor maybe 5-10 years ago. Now it’s a little longer in the tooth than ECNL. Both had their days in the sun.

For boys, it’s MLSNext or bust. For now.

Try 15-25 years ago.

ODP used to actually be a vehicle for NT recruiting, and getting college looks. It was the main pathway to TeamUSA for youth. But ODP invites were also super political, and the quality of attendees was an absurd range of talent from kids who could barely dribble to impressive circus acts, with the majority being somewhere on the former half of the bell curve.

So like every US soccer attempt at building a talent pipeline, ODP failed. And today it’s sort of an option for people to feel good about their kids who aren’t on the top echelon, or are in areas too remote for E/M/G

[Anonymous]

MEG (MLSN, ECNL, GA)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

ECNLDD wrote:

Bestdaysyet wrote:I've been asked several times by parents about ODP due to the fact we have done it pre and post DA. Before the DA, it was the program all the top players attended which resulted in some really good training. My youngest tried it 4 years and we quit after making states. The talent level was very low and although he really shined, it just wasn't worth the time or money. The program really does need to be overhauled to reflect the soccer landscape of today. You will not be scouted by anyone, you will not magically become Messi, most kids are 2-3 level team players, and coaching is the same as you get in any mid to high level club. In fact, my son's coach was the 2nd team coach from his club which we thought was a step down.

If you have the funds and time, join it for what it is which is additional training. But I would rather hire a personal coach instead if I really wanted my kid to get better.

This is correct. There is a prestige factor with making the state or regional team, but if you are top level talent focus on your ECNL or GA showcases and tournaments!

Prestige factor maybe 5-10 years ago. Now it’s a little longer in the tooth than ECNL. Both had their days in the sun.

For boys, it’s MLSNext or bust. For now.

Try 15-25 years ago.

ODP used to actually be a vehicle for NT recruiting, and getting college looks. It was the main pathway to TeamUSA for youth. But ODP invites were also super political, and the quality of attendees was an absurd range of talent from kids who could barely dribble to impressive circus acts, with the majority being somewhere on the former half of the bell curve.

So like every US soccer attempt at building a talent pipeline, ODP failed. And today it’s sort of an option for people to feel good about their kids who aren’t on the top echelon, or are in areas too remote for E/M/G

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MEG (MLSN, ECNL, GA)

I’d ditch ECNL (at least for Boys).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MEG (MLSN, ECNL, GA)

I’d ditch ECNL (at least for Boys).

I would think Girls Academy would not be a choice for boys either