NJYS ODP Scores Huge Turnout
New Jersey Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program (NJYS ODP) recently completed its annual Stage 1 and Stage 2 tryouts ahead of its State Team Selection and traditional ODP cycle for the 2021/22 season.
NJYS ODP had more than 1,500 players attend tryouts across all age groups, which is the highest total in the history of the program.
“Over the years, we have strategically enhanced the Olympic Development Program by adding more tournaments and educational events,” said James Galanis, NJYS Director of Technical Operations.
“We have assembled staff that follows a unique training curriculum and playing style. These changes have improved ODP, and based on the increased number of tryout applicants, our youth soccer community is eager to be a part of the program,” said Galanis.
The tryouts were held at three locations, which included Jackson Mills Park in Jackson, Community Park in Robbinsville and the Wall Soccer Complex. The various fields hosted boys and girls from the 2005 through 2010 age groups to identify the top players at every level from the state.
“We are so appreciative of the clubs that made their fields available to us,” said Erika Salter, NJYS ODP Coordinator. “We try to strategically host tryouts in the central part of the state to allow fair travel time across New Jersey. Having access to these fields helps significantly.”
The tryouts consisted of one hour and fifteen minutes of open play and were conducted by coaches who are recognized for their ability to identify players with superior skills. The ODP coaching staff evaluated players based on four components that make up a soccer player: technical skills, tactical awareness, athletic ability and psychological components.
“We have been fortunate to have a core group of coaches with us for many seasons, as well as a talented group of younger coaches.” said Lou Mignone, ODP Coaching Director. “This has allowed us to get on the same page when it comes to identifying players who have the potential to be recommended to the US Youth Soccer East Region.”
Following tryouts, NJYS ODP will make selections for the State Team of each age group. From there, players will take part in a variety of training sessions, friendlies and webinars as they look to prepare for the US Youth Soccer East Region ODP Tournament in June 2022. Following the completion of the state cycle, players are eligible to be selected for the US Youth Soccer East Regional ID Camp and have the potential to advance to inter-regional and national competition.
For more information about New Jersey ODP, please email odp@njyouthsoccer.com. Additionally, make sure to like the officialNew Jersey ODP Facebook Page.
