ODP

[Anonymous]

Curious to hear about experiences with MD ODP...If your kid plays travel is it worth it to do ODP as well or overkill? Is coaching good at the U14 level? We were told by the director of current club that ODP no longer has the prestige it once did, whatever that means.

[Anonymous]

It means that ODP used to be an avenue for the best kids in each state to be selected for ever more exclusive teams, culminating in a possible national team selection.

Now, the best players in most states play in Development Academy teams (boys side). So ODP isn't the best of the best. It's more like, "willing to pay of the rest."

[Anonymous]

ODP is even weaker at U13 and older age groups because DA does not allow its players to do ODP and most ECNL teams strongly discourage it

[Anonymous]

Ah. Thanks, very helpful.

[Anonymous]

So if DS plays for a club that is strong but doesn’t have a DA, is ODP with doing?

[Anonymous]

Worth

[Anonymous]

Not worth

[Anonymous]

It was a good experience for my DS. An opportunity to learn from new coaches, play with solid players from MD and the Region 1 camp was very good. I wouldn’t recommend the international trip though. Kids all love it, but very expensive.

[Anonymous]

Another example of "pay to play" but if your kid is not in the DA and is looking got play at the highest level, it will not hurt.

[Anonymous]

Daughter did her first ODP year this year. Made district, state and now up for regional. the cost is too much period. The coaching is good but as others said most of the top girls are no longer involved so its the best of the rest. Personally I dont see what this gets you outside of some add on training and the ability to say I am State ODP player or Regional ODP player. Beyond that it seems like a money grab to me. Just my opinion. We've decided she will not do the regional camp and not pursue this next year either.
Good luck

[Anonymous]

Agree with the last poster. The question is: does your kid want to do it and do you want to spend the time and money necessary to allow her to do it? Those are the only relevant questions. As far as college coach exposure, there are better options, namely DA, ECNL and/or other showcase type tournaments with a quality regular team. Even an ID camp at the college of choice may be a better option.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Navigating the current world of kid soccer is shockingly complex so thanks to all for your comments.

[Anonymous]

So completely worthless in VA?

I just got the try out email and figure it was either a waste of time money grab or something my kid isn’t actually good enough for.

Our U13 DD’s team isn’t looking great next for next year so I’m looking for something to supplement for the year.

[Anonymous]

My son has played on the ODP Md state and also Region 1 team and absolutely loved the experience. Great coaching, great friendships made, loved it. Yes, expensive, but for him absolutely worth it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So completely worthless in VA?

I just got the try out email and figure it was either a waste of time money grab or something my kid isn’t actually good enough for.

Our U13 DD’s team isn’t looking great next for next year so I’m looking for something to supplement for the year.

Not completely worthless in VA. DD had great experience at u13 and better understood where she stacked up against other players. There are some great players and some average, the experience got better as selections kept getting made.