The Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) has announced a new collaboration aimed at raising the standard of player development within the Tennessee Olympic Development Program (ODP). In partnership with Refine Soccer and Footie Fit, Tennessee ODP is introducing a comprehensive model that unites advanced technical training with elite sports performance.
This initiative underscores TSSA’s commitment to delivering the best possible environment for our athletes, blending tradition with innovation to help players reach their full potential.
Honoring ODP’s National Legacy
Since its launch in 1977, the Olympic Development Program has been the nation’s original pathway for identifying and preparing future national team players. Guided by US Youth Soccer and the U.S. Soccer Federation, ODP gives athletes opportunities to progress from local to national stages while gaining exposure to college scouts, high-level coaches and professional resources.
By launching this new partnership, Tennessee ODP is building on that legacy and redefining what a modern player pathway can look like.
Refine Soccer: Advancing Technical Development
Refine Soccer delivers technology-driven training that is designed to sharpen skills and measure progress at every stage of a player’s journey. Led by current and former professional players, Refine Soccer creates an environment that challenges athletes while fostering confidence, precision and long-term growth.
“We are excited to collaborate with Tennessee ODP and Footie Fit in setting a new benchmark for player development,” said Christian Duke, Owner & CEO of Refine Soccer. “This partnership blends tradition, innovation, and expertise, creating an environment where athletes are challenged technically, physically, and mentally to prepare for success at the next level.”
Footie Fit: Redefining Sports Performance
A soccer-specific performance lab located in Franklin, Footie Fit specializes in speed, agility and durability for the modern game. Founded by Zlatko Hundur, who coaches programming alongside Carol Vieira, Footie Fit blends baseline testing with targeted training in strength, explosiveness and endurance. Each program is customized to position and season, ensuring athletes transfer gains directly onto the field.
This science-based, soccer-specific model aims to equip Tennessee ODP athletes with the physical foundation needed to compete at the highest levels.
“At Footie Fit, our mission has always been to prepare soccer athletes with the speed, strength, and resilience needed to thrive in the modern game,” said Zlatko Hundur, Founder of Footie Fit. “Partnering with Tennessee ODP allows us to bring that same soccer-specific performance model to some of the state’s most dedicated players, ensuring they have the physical foundation to reach their highest potential.”
A Unified Approach to Player Growth
Together, Refine Soccer and Footie Fit will provide Tennessee ODP athletes with a dual advantage of technical mastery paired with physical performance. This holistic approach places player development at the center of its programming, preparing athletes for success both now and in the future.
“Within the context of a constantly evolving landscape of Youth Soccer in our country, we are always on the lookout to bring new and better processes to the players who participate in our TN Olympic Development Program,” said Bryan Johnson, TSSA Director of Player Development. “Through these partnerships, our players are able to gain more information to help understand the context of their performance in ways that have never been available to them before. We are able to help provide them with a common lens through which they can evaluate their performance, both in improvement over time and in comparison to their peers.”
Commitment from TSSA Leadership
With this collaboration, TSSA continues its mission of growing the game statewide while creating meaningful opportunities for every player. By uniting trusted partners with proven expertise, Tennessee ODP is setting a new benchmark for development programs across the country.
“TSSA believes that the future of soccer includes partnering with innovative groups,” said Hans Hobson, CEO of Tennessee State Soccer Association. “The software and technology presented through Refine Soccer and Footie Fit is going to revolutionize how we use data to train and develop players.”
This initiative also reflects TSSA’s forward-thinking approach to player growth. By investing in both the technical and physical sides of development, Tennessee ODP is ensuring athletes have the tools they need to succeed today, and to lead the game into the future.
To contact the Tennessee State Soccer Association, please call (615) 590-2200. Also make sure to follow us on social media!