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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]

The value is different for everyone. [b]No kidding, Sherlock[/b] If you are not near a ECNL or DA club then it can be a good experience [b] Has nothing to do with where you live or what clubs are nearby, although obviously if your DC is in the DA, they cannot do ODP[/b]. If you are in ECNL it can offer some more exposure assuming your player reaches the regional level.

It is expensive the further you go but like anything in life you get out of it what you put into it. [b]hah, this is asinine. ODP is very good at relieving people of the burden of unwanted cash. putting more cash in absolutely does not assure a better outcome[/b]

It is expensive, it is expensive, let me repeat, it is expensive. If you are prone to getting mad about soccer being a money grab then look elsewhere. You've been warned and nobody wants to hear you complain about it later. [b]I'd people would rather hear the complaints than your condescending tone policing[/b] [/quote]

Ok, some thoughts on value. Caveat is that I can only speak to the boys' side of things.

What ODP is good for:
1) Social value. It's great for the boys to meet some of the other players around the area and make friends with kids who are normally your opponents. Makes it easier to switch clubs later, if you're looking to do that.
2) Diversity. There's a lot of value in hearing perspectives from other coaches and practicing with/against different players. It's also a chance for players to play at different positions. 
3) Social value II. The overnight trips are good experiences. Bonding, making memories, etc. Particularly true for the Europe trip, I would guess.
4) Something to do in the winter. The state pool training is great for this.
5) Higher level of competition. Forget the DA and ECNL (although lots of Boys ECNL players at ODP). If you're not getting the level of competition you need at your own club's training sessions, ODP training is a good option.

What ODP is not good for (These answers are longer because I want to be clear, not because I think the bads outweigh the goods):
1) Player development. Sorry, the training is too sporadic and random for real development. Maybe the coaches take turns planning and running training? Having a week or two between sessions doesn't really help. Lots of scrimmaging at the training with apparently no cohesive philosophy. They're not bad training sessions--far from it--but they're just that: extra training sessions. 
2) Social development. Going out on a limb here, but VYSA makes a big deal about how they're teaching the players how to act. Just had a twitter post today about "you put that crest on, you're representing Virginia, blah blah blah." What this means is that coaches bully players off the field. I've seen it. It's ridiculous, but the coaches have total control. Not all coaches are like this, of course, but I've seen the ones that are. Honestly, for me this isn't a dealbreaker--but don't think that they're helping your son grow into a fine young man.
3) Player selection/identification/validation. Again, going out on a limb, but the lists that come out are kind of funny. 2nd team players selected into events and pools ahead of 1st team players at better clubs, stuff like that. Part of this may be because the ODP coaches are looking for specific traits or abilities. Maybe they see potential that club coaches don't see. Maybe they've seen a kid have some great practices but haven't seen a kid enough to notice glaring weaknesses. Maybe a great player had an off day when they were picking the team for X. Whatever. Point is, I don't know anyone who hasn't raised an eyebrow at some ODP list or another.

Bottom line is that my order of ODP value is State Training, District Training, Friendlies/Events, Europe Trip. 
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