Overview

1. PHILOSOPHY
2. OBJECTIVE/GOALS
3. THE PROGRAM
4. REGION CAMP
5. ESTIMATED COSTS

1. PHILOSOPHY

US Youth Soccer

To identify players of the highest caliber on a continuing and consistent basis; this will lead to increased success for the US National Teams in the international arena.

Tennessee Soccer

Player Development has shifted to the clubs, with ODP acting as a supplement, giving elite players opportunities to play against the best and to provide them exposure at the regional, national, and international levels.

2. OBJECTIVE/GOALS

In 1977, the Olympic Development Program was introduced to identify a pool of players, from which a National Team would be selected. This would begin at the state level, advancing regionally, and finally to the national level.

Tennessee Soccer seeks a process to identify and train the best players, so they may qualify for Tennessee Soccer, Region III, and US National Team Programs. Tennessee Soccer seeks to enhance the development of each player, guided by high level licensed coaches. It is our goal to give exposure to each player, and to assist him/her in obtaining college scholarship opportunities.

3. THE PROGRAM

In Tennessee, there are three phases of the selection process: STATE TRIAL, STATE POOL, STATE TEAM. The oldest age group (1996), and youngest age group (2000) vary slightly in structure from the other three age groups. Details for each of the age groups are noted below.

For a picture of the ODP Pyramid, click here.

1996

Players in the 1996 age group will enter the STATE POOL for a chance to represent Tennessee on the state team, based on a invitation/recommendation system. Scouts will be given a schedule of games/tournaments to attend. Club DOCs and coaches may also recommend players in writing. Recommendations will be sent to the State Director of Coaching, for approval. State team members the year before also will go straight into the STATE POOL. There will be no STATE TRIAL for this age group. STATE POOLS will continue to train and play in various events. A STATE TEAM will be ultimately selected from the pools end of January. The STATE TEAM will continue to train/compete and represent Tennessee at Region III Camp in July.

1997, 1998, 1999

For these age groups, there will be an open STATE TRIAL for any player.  The players selected from the try-out will enter the STATE POOL. Players on the State Team the year prior will be allowed a pass and go directly into the STATE POOL. STATE POOLS will continue to train and play in various events. A STATE TEAM will be ultimately selected from the pools end of January. The STATE TEAM will continue to train/compete and represent Tennessee at Region III Camp in July.

2000

The 2000 age group will have an open STATE TRIAL for any player.   The players selected from the State Trial try-out will enter the STATE POOL.  Players will then go to the STATE POOL/Training if selected from the State Trail. A STATE TEAM is selected from the State Pool.  The STATE TEAM will continue to train/compete and represent Tennessee at the Region III Camp in July. 

Selection of Players

Players are evaluated on the four components that make up a soccer player:

1. Technique
2. Tactical Insight
3. Physical Ability
4. Psychological (attitude/desire for excellence)

More information on ODP process and evaluation, can be found here.

The State Director of Coaching reserves the right to add or release a player at any time.

Evaluation

Any player that is released from the state pool phase may receive an evaluation by request. There will be no evaluations given after the state trial phase.

Programming

Besides the opportunity to compete with and against the best players around the state and region...here are some of the other progamming we have offered, to add value and creditibility to Olympic Development Program:

Dr. Tiffany Breeding, Sports Psychology, The Mind Body Doctor, "Empowerment Through Performance:

Sports Source Seminar: The Official Guide to Sports Guides and Sports Scholarships

Mike Gilliam, Recruiting and Life Skills expert...to read more about Mike, click here.

Dr. John Thomas, Guest Speaker and Clinician, Assistant Director of Coaching, US Youth Soccer.

4. REGION CAMP

US Soccer is divided into four regions; each one offers a Region Camp for state association ODP teams in each eligible age group.

The camps are designed to provide a high level of competition and training for participating players. During Region Camp, players who are capable of performing at a higher level of play are identified and selected for Regional and National Pool participation. On average, 36-40 players are selected to the Regional Pool. The Region will pull players from this pool to participate in Inter-Regional events, International trips, and National Camps throughout the year. National Staff Coaches are also in attendance to evaluate players for National Pool potential.

There is exposure to collegiate coaches, as many utilize Region Camp as a recruiting tool. College coaches may be on their respected state staff, region staff, or just visiting camp to observe elite players.

Region III Camp is 5 days long, and takes place in July at University of Alabama (Boys); University of Montevallo, AL (Girls).

Tennessee is a member of Region III, which includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and South Texas.

5. ESTIMATED COSTS

Below are the estimated costs for 2011-12

TBA

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance is available for those in need. Aid is limited, and applications can be found under the forms section of ODP. Potential scholarships are normally limited to Region Camp and Region III Championships. A Financial Aid committee is in place to determine amount of need and application must be complete for the committee to review. To request a Financial Aid Application, please contact Devin Woodard, ODP/Coaching Education Administrator.

Need More Information?

Click here to visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.

For technical questions regarding ODP, please contact Lee, Director of Coaching.

For billing/administrative questions, contact Devin Woodard, ODP/Coaching Education Administrator or 615-590-2200 x200.