With the spring season in full stride, the New York State West Youth Soccer Association’s Olympic Development Program (ODP) is continuing to shape talent, build connections and lay the groundwork for the region’s next generation of elite players. From an energetic play day for 11U prospects to regional showcases for emerging and established ODP teams, the last few months have reflected the core mission of ODP to identify, develop and prepare top-tier youth players for the next level.
“As we now begin to compete with other state associations, our players begin to gain a better perspective as to where they stand against the backdrop of other players throughout the Northeast,” said Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “That perspective will be a confidence builder to some, and it will also serve notice to all, that there are higher levels that can be achieved. Both are critical elements that will provide the motivation that aspiring players need to push themselves to the next level.”
A First Taste of ODP: 11U Pre-ODP Play Day
On May 4th, Lakefront SC in Webster played host to the New York West 11U Pre-ODP Play Day, the culminating program event after a winter of indoor training for the youngest aspiring ODP athletes. Players from across the region came together for games in a 9v9 round-robin format, experiencing the excitement of competition in a setting that emphasized development, exposure and fun.
The 11U Pre-ODP Program is designed as an entry point into the broader ODP pipeline, providing players with age-appropriate, high-level training opportunities while helping coaches identify potential for future ODP inclusion. This stage stands as a crucial first step in a long journey, one that begins with skill-building and ends with the prospect of wearing an ODP East Region jersey (and potentially an ODP National Select Team kit).
Talent on Display: Northeast Sub-Regional Tournament in Colonie, New York
New York West ODP teams recently traveled to Colonie, New York, to compete in the Northeast ODP Sub-Regional Tournament. The event brought together state-level ODP teams from Eastern New York, New Jersey, and the New England region (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Maine), creating a dynamic and competitive environment under the eyes of East Region ODP Coaching Staff.
This event marked the beginning of the formal player identification process for the East Region ODP Camp, where top performers will be evaluated for regional roster spots. The Colonie showcase not only provided players with the chance to compete at a high level, but it also gave them their first taste of being scouted for advancement beyond the state level while also gaining exposure to college coaches.
Eyes on June: Outdoor Training and the Road to Regionals
Since April, New York West ODP teams have transitioned from indoor training to weekly outdoor sessions, preparing for the East Region ODP Tournament scheduled for June 6-9. Boys teams will travel to Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, New Jersey, while girls teams will compete at PA Classics Park in Manheim, Pennsylvania. The tournament will feature elite competition between the 15 state associations that comprise the East Region and will be played on natural grass fields renowned as among the best in the Northeast.
For many players, this event is a defining moment where years of preparation meets opportunity. Regional coaches will be watching closely, as top performers from the tournament will earn invites to the prestigious East Region ODP Camp. From there, a select few will move on to compete in Inter-Regional events, battling other regional teams from across the country in hopes of earning a place on the US Youth Soccer ODP National Select Team roster.
A Legacy of Opportunity
Established in 1977, the Olympic Development Program has served as the nation’s original pathway for identifying future national team talent. Under the umbrella of US Youth Soccer and the United States Soccer Federation, ODP helps players progress from local to national stages, gaining valuable exposure to collegiate scouts, high-level coaches and professional development resources along the way.
The mission of New York West ODP is threefold. The program aims to provide top-level training to elite players, support coaching development and identify talent for state, regional and national pools. From the early days of Pre-ODP to the high-stakes environment of regional showcases, every phase is built with purpose.
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