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Purpose of ODP

In 1977, the Olympic Development Program was formed to identify player, provide a higher level of training by placing creating an environment of “like-players” with quality coaches, and eventually produce National-caliber and International-caliber players.

Players are given the opportunity to “tryout” and represent the State of Michigan across the Mid-West Region, i.e. Region II. These players through Region II identification Programs that involve games as well as Camp Programming will have the opportunity to be identified to represent the Mid-West Region, Region II, at both Domestic and International Events from which US Youth National Teams will be selected.

Benefits of ODP

MSYSA ODP is has a long history of developing high level players across both the Mid-West Region as well as at the National Level. Click here to see MSYSA ODP Accolades.

• Quality Training with “like players” and Nationally Licensed Coaches
• Exposure to Regional and National Team Coaches
• Opportunities to represent Michigan
• Exposure to Collegiate Coaches

Programming of ODP

Eligibility: ODP utilizes the Calendar Year, January to December, for its birth year eligibility, See Eligibility Calendar.

Selection Process: MSYSA hosts a tryout during which player pools are selected. The number of players selected for each age group is determined by the MSYSA ODP Staff based upon the Region II ODP Programming.

Players are selected based upon four major categories:

1. Technique
2. Tactics
3. Fitness and overall athletic ability
4. Personality/ Attitude

Player Pools will train periodically to develop the players. Prior to the participating in the Region II Camp, the player pools will be trimmed down to approximately 18 players.

Certain Age Groups will carry two teams based upon the distinction of “OLDER” and “YOUNGER”. “OLDER” is defined as the birth years from January to June. “YOUNGER” is defined as July to December.

Region Camp: Region II identification Camp is process by which the player and his team represent Michigan in both training environments as well game environments to be evaluated by Region II Staff Coaches. During this event, players can be identified for Region II and National Team Events, both domestic and foreign. Click for more information on Region II ODP Camp (link to Region II). Click here for ODP Region Camp Forms.

Schedule: ODP Tryout and Training Schedules will be posted on the MSYSA ODP Website. Click here for the MSYSA ODP Schedules.

Club Conflicts: A special thanks is necessary to those club coaches whom continue to encourage their players to participate in the ODP Process. Through their continued efforts and encouragement, they are helping the development of the Michigan Soccer Player. These coaches understand the value of the ODP Process and continue to seek the best opportunities for their players in their journey as a Soccer Player.

MSYSA ODP continues to work with the local clubs and leagues to limit the schedule conflicts and feels that an open dialogue is the best course of action in terms of scheduling conflicts.

However, it is important to note, that a player should not be penalized for attending an ODP Sanctioned Event. Per the Amateur Sports Act, no athlete can be denied the right to participate in Olympic Development Program. Hence, no one can deny a player the right to participate in an ODP Sanctioned Event.

Costs: ODP is a not for profit program. Associated costs for ODP include, field rental and maintenance, medical trainers, coaches stipends, travel, accommodations, meals, and administrative costs.

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