ODP (Olympic Development Program)
Overview
National player identification program run by usys (US Youth Soccer). State associations identify and select players for regional camps and national team pools. Operates U13-U18 across boys and girls programs.
Structure
Three-tier funnel: state pool tryouts → regional camp → national team pool. Four USYS regions (East, Midwest, South, West). State associations hold their own tryouts annually, typically fall.
Player Pathway
Once dominant as the primary talent ID pipeline feeding US Soccer youth national teams. Now significantly diluted — ecnl and mls-next run parallel (and often higher-profile) ID events that attract the top end of talent away from ODP pools.
Current Trajectory
Participation has declined as elite clubs steer players toward ECNL/MLS Next pathways. ODP retains relevance for players outside top-tier club programs seeking national team exposure.
Open Questions
- Current participation numbers by region vs. peak enrollment.
- State association fee structures for ODP tryouts.