For decades, the New York State West Olympic Development Program (ODP) has been a proving ground for Western New York’s best soccer talent. ODP is a program built on competition, quality coaching, and the belief that every serious player deserves a bigger stage.
ODP is one of the most respected player development pathways in the country, and it is a nationally recognized program that brings together motivated players and challenges them in a new environment. For players across Western New York, ODP is a chance to test themselves against the best players in the region, train with nationally licensed coaches, and discover just how far their game can take them.
What Is ODP?
The Olympic Development Program was established by US Youth Soccer in 1977 with one clear objective: identify and develop the nation’s top youth talent. Through state, regional, and national platforms, ODP creates a structured pathway that can take players from open tryouts all the way through national team identification.
But ODP is about more than identification. It is about development. Players who participate in ODP train with coaches who are recognized for their ability to identify and shape talent. They compete alongside and against players from different clubs and backgrounds. They are also pushed outside their comfort zones in ways that accelerate their growth both on and off the field.
The impact of ODP at the national level speaks for itself. Of the 23 players on the U.S. Women’s National Team’s 2023 World Cup roster, 21 were ODP alumni. The program has helped shape some of the greatest players in American soccer history, including one who got her start right here in Western New York.
A New York State West Success Story
Abby Wambach grew up in Pittsford, a suburb of Rochester, and came through the New York State West ODP system on her way to becoming one of the greatest soccer players in American history. She excelled at the ODP state and regional levels before earning her first U.S. Women’s National Team call-up at age 15 in 1996. She went on to win two Olympic gold medals, a FIFA Women’s World Cup title, and six U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year awards. After scoring an incredible 184 goals over 255 international appearances, she was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2019.
Abby Wambach’s path to the top of the sport ran through New York State West ODP. Her story is a reminder of what level of talent has come through the program.
What Players Gain
The value of ODP is felt long after the final whistle. Players who participate often point to a growth in confidence, adaptability, and competitive readiness as hallmarks of their experience, qualities that carry over to their club teams, high school careers, and beyond.
“She walked into her first session not knowing what to expect, but she quickly learned to step outside of her comfort zone, communicate with new teammates, and adapt to different personalities, coaching styles, and ways of playing. Those are skills that every player needs as they continue their soccer journey.”
Nicole Bartholomew, New York State West ODP Parent, Coach, and Administrator
“Being a part of the ODP program has been very beneficial for my daughter. The experience she has gained by playing with other talented girls in the NY West region and the players in the East Regional Pool has been invaluable. I’ve watched my daughter grow in confidence and ability with the opportunities ODP has provided.”
New York State West ODP Parent
“My son has been involved with the ODP program through NYS West and has really enjoyed the experience. The coaches provided well structured practices, and the training environment attracted many focused and hard working players. I would recommend this program to anyone looking for their child to get out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves to compete at a higher level.”
New York State West ODP Parent
ODP Tryouts Are Coming: Stay Tuned
New York State West ODP tryouts for the upcoming season are on the horizon. Dates, locations, and registration details will be announced soon. Whether you are a player looking to take the next step or a family exploring what ODP has to offer, now is the time to start learning about the program.
In the meantime, we encourage you to visit the NYSWYSA ODP webpage to learn more about the program, the pathways available, and what to expect.
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