To identify players of the highest caliber on a continuing and consistent basis, which will lead to increased success for the U.S National Teams in the international arena.

 

 

The North Texas US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) was formed to identify a pool of players in each age group from which a National Team will be selected for international competition; to provide high-level training to benefit and enhance the development of players at all levels; and, through the use of carefully selected, and licensed coaches, develop a mechanism for the exchange of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.

 

Player Identification

 

All players selected to the State Team this past summer, including alternates, are automatically invited back to participate during the fall phase of training (Sept - Dec). In addition to these players, Staff Coaches will be busy scouting in the 91-95 age groups, and will invite elite players to join the "Fall State Pool". Hence, the training pools will be comprised of 24 to 40 players per age group.

 

We encourage coaches of competitive players to assist in this process of identification of our truly elite North Texas players. Competitive coaches will be contacted by the State Team Age Group Coach and asked to give their recommendations of talented players on their team.

 

Potential players will be evaluated in the natural environment of competitive league play. Once a player has been scouted by the Age Group Coach a decision is made on whether to invite the player to train with the state pool.

 

If a talented player competes in a league other than Div I or Div II Classic and they would like to be considered for State Team selection, the team coach should contact Gary Williamson at the State Office. The coach will need to provide the following information: name, birth year, official roster, and league schedule. A staff coach will be assigned to scout the recommended player.

 

 

Upon completion of the fall season 24 players will be selected to represent the North Texas State Pool for their respective age group. This pool will be announced mid January. The State Pool will train and compete in the spring until final selection of 18 players and 6 alternates. This final selection is for the State Team to represent North Texas in regional competition.

 

 

We will concentrate most of the training in the fall to avoid conflicts during the busy spring schedule. Training will take place once or twice a month in the spring depending on the age group. Please check the NTSSA website for field location and times. Check the Olympic Development Calendar for current training dates.

 

 

If scheduling permits games may be arranged against neighboring states. We will host a sub-regional event in June to compete against Louisiana, Mississippi, South Texas and Oklahoma. At the Regional Camp in July, North Texas State Teams will compete against the rest of the southern states. Check the Olympic Development Calendar for camp dates.

 

 

Individual player evaluations both oral and written will be given at the completion of regional camp.

 

 

US Youth Soccer is divided into four regions; each offers a region camp for Youth Association State Teams (ODP) in each eligible age group. The camps are designed to provide high level competition. Players who are capable of performing at a higher level of play are identified and selected for National Pool and National Team participation.

 

 

National Camps and Interregional events are held throughout the year at various locations in the United States. The National Team Coach or National Staff Coach is present at these events to observe, train, and identify players for placement in the National Pool or on the National Team.

 

 

For the truly gifted and committed soccer player the State Team program is very beneficial to each and every player involved. Players are given greater exposure to college, regional and national coaches.

 

The experience is challenging playing with the top players from around the state and competing against the best of the best from the south. It pushes you to another standard beyond the local level from state competition to regional pool to regional team to national pool and team.

 

Moreover, the experience of playing with new players that compete against you from other club teams is socially rewarding. The increased responsibility and self discipline required to be successful at this level teaches life lessons that are invaluable for many years.

 

 

 

Activity Fees	Money Due	Date Due
Fall State Pool Fee	$75	By First Fall Practice
Spring State Pool Fee	$75
Sub-Regional Event	$20	June 1
Regional Camp	$800	June 1

 

If you are NOT chosen to go to camp this amount will be refunded to you. You may pay by credit card by calling the North Texas Office and speaking with the receptionist. Give your players name and ODP age group. We take Mastercard and Visa only.

 

***There is a $100.00 cancellation fee for those chosen to the team and decide not to attend.

 

 

Activity Fees	Money Due	Date Due
Spring State Pool Fee	$75	By First Practice
Development Camp Fee	$425	June 1

 

If you are NOT chosen to go to camp this amount will be refunded to you. You may pay by credit card by calling the North Texas Office and speaking with the receptionist. Give your players name and ODP age group. We take Mastercard and Visa only.