Eastern New York Now Hosting ODP Tryouts Across the State
New York Youth Soccer News: New York kids are now showing off their skills so they can play ODP
Outside of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, the Olympic Development Program (ODP) — run by US Youth Soccer — is considered the highest level of competition in the state.
Each year, players must be revaluated by the ODP professional staff of coaches for a position on each age-specific team. The identification process ends each summer with the most elite players within Region 1 competing for a position on the regional team and the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) recently placed 77 players on the regional team.
A new season and new school year are now upon us so that means that ODP tryouts have kicked off once again. Those born from 2004 to 2006 are competing now for spots while those born from 2001 to 2003 will try out in November, after the local high school season.
Most prospective players will not have to travel far as 80% of those living in Eastern New York have a tryout venue within 30 miles of their home. In New York City, it’s at Owl Hollow Fields on Staten Island while another venue in the city is being considered in either Manhattan or Queens.
On Long Island, tryouts are taking place at the Peter Collins Soccer Park in Plainview and Cantiague Park in Hicksville. In Westchester and the Hudson Valley, the venue is the East Fishkill Soccer Fields while the Latham Circle Soccer Club Fields are being utilized for those living in the Albany and Utica areas. The second round for those living Upstate will be held in Saugerties at the Cantine Veterans Memorial Complex.
Because of the large geographic area and huge population making up Eastern New York, the ODP teams are split into North (Westchester to the Canadian border) and South (New York City and Long Island) in each age group.
“ODP has always been a big part of Eastern New York and we are very proud that our ODP alumnae Crystal Dunn and Allie Long are playing with the US Women’s National Team,” commented Eastern New York ODP Chairperson Jim Volpe. “Every kid who plays ODP is guaranteed to be seen and scouted by Region 1 team staff as well as college coaches, and in some cases, the staff of the US National Teams.”
For more info on tryouts, log on to http://enysoccerodp.siplay.com/site/ or call the Eastern New York office at 516-766-0849.
Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association: With over 100,000 youth soccer players–both boys and girls–and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association(ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 11 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators.
