New York State West Youth Soccer

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New York State West Unveils 2025–26 ODP Pathways

In youth soccer, every journey begins with the desire to grow. To find that next challenge, that next level, that next opportunity to rise. For players across Western New York, that journey continues this winter as New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) announces information for its three Olympic Development Program pathways.

From the early touches of the 11U Pre-ODP Program to the competitive intensity of ODP Tryouts and the college-prep demands of the 19U ODP Program, New York State West provides a complete developmental pathway designed to identify, train and inspire the region’s most committed players.

A Proven Pathway to Excellence

The Olympic Development Program (ODP) remains one of the most respected avenues for elite player development across the country. Through its state, regional and national platforms, ODP challenges athletes to push beyond their comfort zones and test themselves against the best competition.

“The ODP program is designed to be a supplement to what players do with their club and scholastic teams,” said Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “Playing with and against other good players from across the state, at good facilities and at the direction of top coaches, accelerates player development. Training sessions that include purposeful, competitive, game-like activities designed to gradually nudge players outside their comfort zone, make previously unfamiliar encounters more familiar (if not commonplace). Every player transforms into a more confident, more composed and a more functional problem solver on the field. There is a reason why ODP players are often referred to as being more seasoned.”

Since its inception, ODP has carried a clear objective to deliver top-level training and identify players capable of thriving on the regional and national stage. Within New York State West, that mission takes shape through three distinct programs, each a vital stage of the overall soccer journey.

ODP Tryouts: 2009, 2010 and 2011 Players

For players born in 2009, 2010 and 2011, the road to elite competition begins this December via ODP Tryouts. All tryout sessions will take place at the Lakefront Indoor Soccer Complex in Webster, New York, and an early-bird registration discount is available through Sunday, November 23rd. Learn more.

Upcoming Boys Tryouts:

  • Saturday, December 13th: 2011 Boys
  • Sunday, December 14th: 2009, 2010 Boys

Upcoming Girls Tryouts:

  • Saturday, December 20th: 2009, 2010 Girls
  • Sunday, December 21st: 2011 Girls

These tryouts offer players direct exposure to nationally licensed coaches, competitive evaluation and the chance to earn selection into New York State West’s state ODP pools, which can lead to regional and national team identification.

11U Pre-ODP Program

For players born in 2015 and 2016, the 11U Pre-ODP Program offers an introduction to the ODP experience in a fun yet structured setting. Beginning in December 2025, the program will be hosted in four convenient districts (Buffalo, Cortland, Rochester and Syracuse), ensuring families across the region can participate close to home. Learn more.

The Pre-ODP cycle includes five sessions, with each featuring a 75-minute indoor training session followed by a 30-minute classroom lecture. Training emphasizes technical skills, small-sided play and tactical awareness, while the lectures focus on teamwork, mindset and proper training habits.

The program concludes with an outdoor “Play Day” on Sunday, May 3rd, 2026, at the Lakefront Basket Road Fields in Webster, bringing all four districts together for a round-robin day of play and celebration. With no tryouts required, the 11U Pre-ODP Program is open to all serious, age-eligible players eager to experience New York State West’s high-caliber coaching and the developmental environment that has shaped many of the state’s top talents.

19U ODP Program

For players born in 2007 and 2008, New York State West’s 19U ODP Program bridges the gap between youth soccer and college preparation. While traditional ODP programs conclude at the 17U level, New York State West independently expands its offerings to provide a college-prep training environment for older athletes seeking elite instruction beyond club or high school play. Learn more.

The 2025–26 cycle begins with indoor sessions on Sunday, December 14th (Boys) and Saturday, December 20th (Girls) at the Lakefront Indoor Soccer Complex in Webster. The indoor phase features five full training dates, each consisting of two 90-minute training sessions and a 90-minute midday break (consisting of a lunch break and lecture led by the New York State West ODP Coaching Staff). Lecture topics include Tactics, Proper Training Habits, Nutrition, College Recruiting and Mental Training for Peak Performance. The 19U ODP Program’s outdoor phase adds training and scrimmages against college teams, offering players the ideal transition toward higher-level competition.

One Mission, Three Pathways

From the early learning environment of Pre-ODP to the competitive proving grounds of ODP Tryouts and the high-performance preparation of the 19U Program, New York State West’s ODP pathway is built to nurture ambition at every stage. Each program shares a common goal to elevate player technical, tactical and mental readiness while fostering a lifelong passion for the game.

Whether you are beginning your ODP journey or preparing for college soccer, the 2025–26 season offers every opportunity to grow, compete and thrive. Learn more.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

NYSW TOPSoccer Partners with University of Rochester Special Olympics Club

The New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) and the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club are joining forces this November to host a pair of TOPSoccer Jamborees on the University of Rochester campus. These free, community-based events invite young athletes with disabilities to experience the fun and camaraderie of soccer in an inclusive, encouraging environment led by student-athletes, volunteers and trained instructors.

Event Details: Soccer, Smiles and Inclusion

Both jamborees are free of charge, and participants are welcome to attend one or both sessions. To ensure a fun, organized experience, pre-registration is required to ensure proper staffing and event preparation.

Fostering Connection Through Sport

The University of Rochester Special Olympics Club brings together university students and athletes in the Greater Rochester Area with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The club’s mission is to create a competitive yet supportive atmosphere, one where inclusion, awareness and friendship take center stage both on and off the field.

“We are excited to partner with US Youth Soccer and New York State West Youth Soccer Association to bring TOPSoccer to the University of Rochester campus. Our Special Olympics Club continues to look for new opportunities to connect with our community in meaningful ways, and TOPSoccer is a natural extension to our Special Olympics movement,” said Katherine Westerheim of the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club. “Our student athletes take great pride in being role models in our community and being proactive contributors who enjoy spending time sharing their experiences with young people. We can’t wait to host these fun Jamborees and welcome everyone to campus!”

This partnership reflects a shared belief between NYSWYSA and the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club that sport can build bridges and open doors. Together, both organizations are helping to ensure every athlete, regardless of ability, has a place to play, grow and belong.

About TOPSoccer

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a nationally recognized program developed by US Youth Soccer to give young athletes with disabilities the opportunity to play soccer in a safe and supportive setting. Designed to meet the needs of individuals with diverse abilities, TOPSoccer provides modified training sessions and gameplay that encourage learning, teamwork and most importantly, having fun.

The program is structured to provide an environment where every participant can grow, build confidence and enjoy the sport alongside trained volunteers and buddies who are there to support their experience.

“We are excited to continue our tradition of bringing TOPSoccer programming to the Rochester area through this exciting new collaboration with the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club,” said Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “The University of Rochester student volunteers bring an energy and enthusiasm that is contagious and uplifting to all who participate in the Jamborees. Together, we truly embrace the opportunity to provide enjoyment, confidence-building and friendship through tailored sporting activities. Growth through participation in sport is universal. Come join us for a couple of inspirational days of soccer!”

Looking Ahead

These jamborees mark the start of an exciting collaboration between NYSWYSA and the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club. The two organizations plan to use these sessions to gauge community interest and lay the groundwork for a potential multi-week program launching in 2026, expanding access to inclusive soccer opportunities across the Rochester region. To learn more about the University of Rochester Special Olympics Club, we encourage you to visit them online.

Everyone deserves the chance to play. Join us this November and be part of something truly special!

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media.

Binghamton TOPSoccer Kicking Off Fall Season on September 7th

New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) is excited to announce the fall season of Binghamton TOPSoccer, which will officially kick off on Sunday, September 7th. The program will run on Sundays at 11:00 AM through November 23rd, with sessions held at both the Binghamton University Turf Field and 434 Sportsplex.

“NYSWYSA is a proud supporter of Binghamton University TOPSoccer,” said Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “In 2019, this one-of-a-kind program was organized by college students who were previously involved with TOPSoccer programs as youth players in their hometown soccer clubs. Today, this university sponsored club is directed, organized and staffed by BU students. This unique coaching staff injects energy, enthusiasm and fellowship into each session. Come experience the joy of ‘sharing the beautiful game’ through Binghamton University TOPSoccer.”

Program Details:

  • Locations: Binghamton University Turf Field (next to East Gym) and 434 Sportsplex in Vestal, New York
  • Site Coordinator: Isabella Vento (Email)
  • Registration Fee: $35
  • Registration: Click Here

Sessions Details (All Sessions from 11 AM to Noon):

  • September 7 – BU Turf Field
  • September 14 – BU Turf Field
  • September 28 – BU Turf Field
  • October 5 – BU Turf Field
  • October 12 – BU Turf Field
  • October 19 – BU Turf Field
  • October 26 – BU Turf Field
  • November 2 – 434 Sportsplex (Indoor Facility)
  • November 9 – 434 Sportsplex (Indoor Facility)
  • November 16 – 434 Sportsplex (Indoor Facility)
  • November 23 – 434 Sportsplex (Indoor Facility)

TOPSoccer (The Outreach Program for Soccer) is a nationally recognized program developed by US Youth Soccer to give young athletes with disabilities the opportunity to play soccer in a safe and supportive setting. Designed to meet the needs of individuals with diverse abilities, TOPSoccer provides modified training sessions and gameplay that encourage learning, teamwork and most importantly, having fun.

The program is structured to provide an environment where every participant can grow, build confidence and enjoy the sport alongside trained volunteers and buddies who are there to support their experience.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

New York West ODP Tryouts Set for 2025–26 Season

In youth soccer, every player looks for that next step. They seek the chance to test themselves, to measure up against the best and to open the door to new opportunities. For ambitious athletes across Western New York, that step begins this fall with New York State West Youth Soccer Association’s 2025–26 Olympic Development Program (ODP) tryouts.

A Proven Pathway

The Olympic Development Program is more than just another training or playing opportunity. It is a nationally recognized pathway where players are evaluated, challenged and guided toward higher levels of the game. From state-level pools to regional showcases and even national team selection, ODP provides a stage for athletes to showcase their skills, compete with the best and gain exposure to elite coaches and scouts.

“The ODP program is designed to be a supplement to what players do with their club and school teams,” confirmed Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “Playing with and against other good players from around the state, along with exposure to high level coaching, will fast track every player’s development. Growth takes place naturally when players are placed in a competitive environment and slowly nudged outside their comfort zone. ODP tryouts are the first step along the pathway to becoming a more confident and more seasoned player.”

Who Can Participate?

  • 12U–14U Players (2012, 2013, 2014 Birth Years): District tryouts will take place on Sunday, September 28th in Buffalo, Binghamton and Syracuse, and on Saturday, October 4th in Rochester. Selected players will advance to a call-back tryout on Sunday, October 5th in Rochester, where final indoor pools will be chosen.
  • 15U–17U Players (2009, 2010, 2011 Birth Years): Tryouts will be held in Rochester on the weekends of December 13–14 (Boys) and December 20–21 (Girls).

Why Try Out?

For players serious about their development, ODP offers what club soccer alone cannot always provide, and that is direct exposure to nationally licensed coaches, the chance to compete against top talent from across the state and a clear pathway to regional and national identification. ODP is where ambition meets opportunity, and where players begin to discover how far they can go.

Registration Details

Full information, including site locations and session times, is available on the NYSWYSA ODP Tryouts Page. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

The Legacy of ODP

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.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

The NYW Academy: Training that Transforms Players

In today’s youth soccer landscape, there is no shortage of games, but that can create problems when it comes to player development. With weekend tournaments and constant competition taking center stage, meaningful training opportunities are often left behind. To tackle this issue, New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) created The Academy to bring development back to the forefront.

“Today’s youth soccer landscape is saturated with games, games and more games,” said Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “At a time when proper ‘training to game ratios’ are out of whack and essential learning opportunities are being squeezed out of player development protocols, the NYW Academy training regimen serves to balance that ratio and provide the opportunity to develop fundamentally sound players.”

A Strategic Approach to Player Development

The NYW Academy is a six-session training program focused on developing confident, technically sound and tactically aware players. Led by NYSWYSA’s nationally certified coaching staff, the program emphasizes ball skills and decision-making in a positive, high-quality learning environment. The Academy offers tools and coaching that emphasize player development, without the pressure of constant competition.

Who Can Participate?

The Academy is open to boys and girls born in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Originally developed for Olympic Development Program (ODP) players, The Academy opened its doors in 2015 to all eligible players across the region. No ODP affiliation is required, and the only requirement is a commitment to learning and a desire to grow.

When and Where?

Sessions take place on Sunday afternoons across six dates this fall: September 7, 14, 21 and October 12, 19, 26. To make the program more accessible, four convenient locations are available throughout Western New York, each led by a highly respected member of NYSWYSA’s coaching and ODP staff.

In Buffalo, sessions will be held at the Ken Dev Soccer Complex, directed by Dave Kreger, who serves as a Lead Educator for the NYSWYSA Coaching Education and ODP staff. Elmira’s sessions will take place at Eldridge Park under the guidance of Zach Sarno, a dedicated ODP coach with vast player development experience. Rochester participants will train at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Penfield, with NYW ODP coach Jim Gentile leading instruction. Finally, Syracuse sessions will be hosted at the CNY Family Sports Centre, led by Dean Foti, NYSWYSA’s Technical Director and Director of NYW ODP.

Registration Details

The standard fee for the Academy is $250, but an early bird rate of $225 is available for players who register by August 31. Spots are limited, and this program fills quickly every year. Take advantage of early bird pricing and secure your child’s spot today! Register now.

The NYW Academy is where growth happens. Give your child the chance to train with top-level coaches, build confidence with the ball and become a more assertive playmaker on the field.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

NYSWYSA Welcomes Flo Egan and Timothy Elliott to Leadership Team

New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) is proud to welcome two new leaders to our team, each bringing valuable experience and a shared commitment to advancing the game of soccer across Western New York. Flo Egan steps into the role of Interim Executive Director at NYSWYSA, while Timothy Elliott joins the staff as our new Operations Manager.

A Visionary at the Helm: Flo Egan Named Interim Executive Director

With a decorated resume in soccer leadership and a passion for community-building, Flo Egan brings both experience and vision to her role as NYSWYSA Interim Executive Director. Most recently, she served as the National Championships Program Manager-East for US Youth Soccer, where she oversaw major regional tournaments and logistics. Her background also includes a successful tenure as Executive Director of the Maryland State Youth Soccer Association, where she led program development and strengthened organizational operations.

“I am honored to take on the role of Interim Executive Director at NYSWYSA. I look forward to working with the community to further our mission of promoting and developing youth soccer in Western New York,” Flo shared. “Youth soccer has always been a passion of mine, and I am excited to bring my experience and dedication to NYSWYSA. Together, we can create a positive and inclusive environment for all our players.”

Flo holds a B.A. in Religious Studies from Georgian Court University and has contributed her time and expertise to several key volunteer roles, including positions on the New Jersey Youth Soccer Board of Directors and the U.S. Soccer Federation Appeals Committee.

“We are thrilled to welcome Flo Egan as our Interim Executive Director,” said Hugh Goodridge, NYSWYSA President. “Flo’s extensive experience and unwavering dedication to youth soccer make her the perfect fit for this role. We are confident that under her leadership, NYSWYSA will continue to thrive and grow.”

Strengthening the Core: Timothy Elliott Joins as Operations Manager

Also joining the NYSWYSA staff is Timothy Elliott, who takes on the role of Operations Manager. A seasoned professional with a background in business strategy, operations and youth soccer development, Timothy brings a dynamic blend of skills to the organization. Prior to this role, Timothy worked at Charter Communications / Time Warner Cable as a Senior Process Analyst for Enterprise Customer Operations. His career has been defined by his ability to lead cross-functional teams, streamline processes and enhance organizational efficiency.

“Joining NYSWYSA as the Operations Manager is a tremendous opportunity. I am eager to contribute to the growth and success of youth soccer in our region,” Timothy stated. “I am passionate about soccer and youth development, and I am excited to bring my skills and experience to NYSWYSA. I look forward to working with the team to enhance our programs and operations.”

Outside the corporate world, Timothy is a familiar name in Central New York’s soccer community as the founder of Power Step Goalkeeping. His commitment to player development and grassroots programming is deeply aligned with values of NYSWYSA.

“Timothy Elliott brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for soccer that will greatly benefit our organization,” said Hugh Goodridge, NYSWYSA President. “His expertise in business operations and his commitment to youth development make him an excellent addition to our team.”

Dedicated to Our Youth Soccer Community

NYSWYSA remains steadfast in our mission to support, develop and inspire the youth soccer community. With Flo and Timothy contributing their leadership and expertise, NYSWYSA is well-positioned to deepen our impact and continue delivering meaningful value to players, coaches and families across the region.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

Pair of NY State West Teams Reach Eastern Regional Finals

New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) enjoyed a strong showing at the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships in Virginia, with two New York State West teams reaching the final round of the tournament. Competing in the 12U Girls Championship Match was WNY Flash 13G Red Binghamton, with Upstate Elite 2011 also representing NYSWYSA in the 14U Boys Final.

WNY Flash 13G Red Binghamton (12U Girls) won all three matches in group play, topping their bracket with nine points and an 11-2 goal differential. Next came a semifinal clash with Penn Fusion SA National Elite 2013 (Eastern Pennsylvania), where WNY Flash recorded a clean sheet in a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Awaiting them in the final was Baltimore Celtic SC Old Line FC Girls 13 Black (Maryland), and the two sides battled in a spirited, back-and-forth contest. Unfortunately, WNY Flash came up just short in their quest for the 12U Girls Trophy, falling on a razor-thin 2-1 decision and finishing as tournament finalists.

Upstate Elite 2011 (14U Boys) also went unbeaten in group play, winning all three of their opening-round matches and posting a 7-1 goal differential. By topping their division, Upstate Elite advanced to the semifinals, where they edged SCS United Beadling 2011 (Pennsylvania West) by a 2-1 scoreline. In the final, they squared off with SAC Boys 2011 Pre-Academy (Maryland), a tough opponent who ultimately prevailed. Upstate Elite concluded their impressive tournament run as 14U Boys Finalists.

Pair of NY State West Teams Reach Eastern Regional Finals

The USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

New York State West Crowns State Cup Champions

New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) crowned its State Cup champions this past weekend at the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex in Cortland, New York. Winners were decided in the 12U-19U boys and girls divisions, and those champions now advance to the US Youth Soccer Eastern Regional Championships later this month in Loudoun County, Virginia.

New York State West State Cup Champions

  • 12U Boys: NY Rush Select 13B
  • 12U Girls: WNY FLASH 13G Red Binghamton
  • 13U Boys: Pittsford Mustangs Boys 2012 Blue
  • 13U Girls: NY Rush Select 12G
  • 14U Boys: Upstate Elite 2011
  • 14U Girls: Pittsford Mustangs Girls 2011 Blue
  • 15U Boys: SDA 2010B
  • 15U Girls: WNY FLASH 10G Red Binghamton
  • 16U Boys: NY Rush Binghamton 2009B
  • 16U Girls: RNYFC 2009 Girls
  • 17U Boys: SDA 2008B
  • 17U Girls: NY Rush Select 08G
  • 18U Boys: FC Dynamo ROC B2007
  • 19U Boys: WNY FLASH 06/07B Red Binghamton
  • 19U Girls: NY Rush Select 06/07G

“New York State West Youth Soccer Association would like to thank this year’s State Cup winners!” said Devon McFadden, NYSWYSA Executive Director. “A huge congratulations to all the championship teams, and thank you for all your hard work throughout the 2025 season. We would like to send a special thank you to all the clubs and teams that participated in this event and played a part in this great competition. We are excited for all our championship teams to represent NYSW at Regionals in Loudoun, VA. See you there!”

After lifting the trophy for their respective age groups, New York State West State Cup Champions are now eligible for the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern Regional Championships later this month in Loudoun County, Virginia. Regional winners at the 13U age group and higher then move onto the USYS National Championships in July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

New York State West State Cup is part of the USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life, which is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

New York State West Crowning State Cup Champions this Weekend

The Final Four is now set for the New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) State Cup this weekend, with 12U-19U boys and girls teams competing at the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex in Cortland, New York. Once the tournament semifinals are completed, champions will be crowned in each of the 12U-19U age divisions when the finals are hosted on Sunday.

View the Complete Weekend Schedule

“New York State West Youth Soccer Association is thrilled to host the 2025 State Cup and welcome all the 12U–19U boys and girls teams to the SUNY Cortland Stadium Complex this weekend,” said Devon McFadden, NYSWYSA Executive Director. “Semifinal action kicks off Friday, with champions to be crowned on Sunday in each age division. We’re especially excited to see so many new teams and players joining the competition this year—your energy and passion is what makes this event truly special. We cannot wait to congratulate the teams moving on to the Eastern Regionals this coming June. Let’s make it a weekend to remember!”

After lifting the trophy for their respective age groups, New York West State Cup Champions will become eligible for the US Youth Soccer (USYS) Eastern Regional Championships next month in Loudoun County, Virginia. Regional winners at the 13U age group and higher then move onto the USYS National Championships this July at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Florida.

New York West State Cup is part of the USYS National Championships Presented by New York Life, which is the country’s most prestigious national youth soccer tournament. The competition provides winners from each state with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition in the nation while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!

Building Pathways: A Spring Update from New York West ODP

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).

Building Pathways: A Spring Update from New York West ODP

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.

For all of the latest news and information from the New York State West Youth Soccer Association, make sure to follow us on social media!