Pre-ODP Training for Boys and Girls Born 2010/2011
The Young Olympians Program (YOP) is an introductory program for the Olympic Development Program (ODP). The NJYS’ Young Olympians program begins in March and ends in June, and still has a few remaining spots available.
New Jersey Youth Soccer opened registration for its Young Olympians Program a few weeks ago and it has been a huge success. The program is limited to 50 players per region and serves as an introductory program for New Jersey ODP. Conducted in four regions of the state (south, shore, central and north), Young Olympians provides training in each area and concludes with a 4v4 and 9v9 tournament.
The Young Olympians Program is designed specifically for players born in 2010 and 2011.
“This is a great opportunity for a young player to get a feel of the training environment we provide at ODP and give themselves a chance to play in front of our state staff,” said James Galanis, NJYS Director of Technical Operations.
“The goal of the Young Olympians is to give players in their respective state regions the opportunity to train and play together while being introduced to the NJYS curriculum and coaching staff,” said Galanis.
The program facilitates a high-level training environment while offering participants an opportunity to compete with other aspiring players from around the state. Players participating will be giving themselves a chance to play in front of New Jersey Youth Soccer’s ODP staff. Additionally, this opportunity allows players the highly valuable opportunity to become familiar with the ODP training curriculum.
The cost of registration for Young Olympians is $150 per player and includes 3 Training Sessions, a 4v4 Tournament and a 9v9 Tournament. Register today for Young Olympians: Click Here
“This is a great opportunity for a young player to get a feel of the training environment we provide at ODP.”
James Galanis, NJYS Director of Technical Operations
It is always important to know how can a player can best prepare to take advantage of participating in Young Olympians. SoccerToday wanted to know what tips James Galanis could share with our readers. Here is Galanis’ advice:
“If you love the game and want to play at the highest level, the Young Olympians is a good way to gauge your game against other players from your area and around the state,” said Galanis who wants players to show up relaxed, ready to share their passion and learn from the coaches.
“Young Olympians is the first step to being identified for the Olympic Development Program.”
“Registering for the Olympic Development Program and attending our upcoming session gives our coaches an early opportunity to begin to collect data on the upcoming young talent that is coming through the NJYS system,” said Galanis.
Young Olympians does not conduct tryouts as part of its training program, and it is designed to supplement, not replace, the club experience. Each region is limited to 50 participants on a first come, first serve basis. This limited enrollment is implemented to ensure an optimal training environment. If demand exceeds capacity, NJ Youth Soccer will create a waiting list and seek solutions for those individuals who wish to participate in the program.
Young Olympians is divided into the following four regions:
- North (Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic and Sussex)
- Central (Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, Union and Warren)
- Shore (Monmouth and Ocean)
- South (Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester and Salem)
New Jersey ODP recently announced a partnership with Techne Futbol that will serve as an additional bonus for players who participate in Young Olympians. Founded by former New Jersey ODP and U.S. Women’s National Team player Yael Averbuch, Techne Futbol serves as a resource for players in their individual training.
Note: The Techne Futbol app is being provided at no cost to Young Olympians and New Jersey ODP players.
READ: JAMES GALANIS HIRED AS NJ YOUTH SOCCER DIRECTOR OF TECHNICAL OPERATIONS
