ODP

New York State West Youth Soccer Association (NYSWYSA) is committed to giving every player in the region the opportunity to develop, compete, and grow. This fall, two of New York State West’s premier player development programs return in The NYW Academy and Olympic Development Program (ODP). Whether your child is stepping into a high-level training environment for the first time or ready to take the next step on the path to higher competition, these are programs built for them.

Here is everything you need to know.

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The NYW Academy

The NYW Academy is a six-session training program built around one goal: developing better players. Led by New York State West’s nationally certified coaching and ODP staff, the program focuses on technical ability, tactical awareness, and building confidence with the ball in a positive, high-quality learning environment.

Originally created for ODP players, The Academy opened its doors in 2015 to all eligible players across the region, no ODP affiliation required. It is open to boys and girls ages 9U through 14U who are serious about their development and ready to train at a higher level.

Fall 2026 Schedule

All sessions are held on Sundays from August 30 to October 25 across five locations in Western New York.

• Buffalo: Ken Dev Soccer Complex, Tonawanda | 11 AM to 12:30 PM | Coach: Dave Kreger
• Elmira: Eldridge Park | 11 AM to 12:30 PM | Coach: Zach Sarno
• Rochester: Veteran’s Memorial Park, Penfield | Noon to 1:30 PM | Coach: Jim Gentile
• Olean: TBA | 11 AM to 12:30 PM | Coach: Colton Bly
• Syracuse: TBA | 11 AM to 12:30 PM | Coach: Darek Panol

Registration and Pricing

The cost of this program is $250 per player, and spots are limited at each location. All registrations must be completed online. Walk-up registrations are no longer accepted.

• Register for The NYW Academy
• Any questions? Please contact Dave Kreger at Techdir@nyswysa.org.

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Olympic Development Program (ODP)

New York State West ODP is one of the most respected player development pathways in the country. The program brings together the region’s most motivated players, challenges them in a new environment alongside and against players from different clubs, and opens doors that club soccer alone cannot always provide.

ODP registration is now open across all age groups. Following is a breakdown by age group.

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10U/11U Pre-ODP Program (2016, 2017 Birth Years)

The 10U/11U Pre-ODP Program is the entry point into the New York State West ODP pathway. Designed for serious and committed young players, the program provides high-level, age-appropriate training in a familiar local environment, with no tryouts required. All age-eligible players are welcome to register.

The program runs five indoor sessions on Friday evenings from December 2026 through April 2027, plus a culminating Play Day outdoor event on Sunday, May 2, 2027, at Lakefront Basket Road Fields in Webster, New York. Each session includes a 75-minute training session and a 30-minute classroom lecture covering topics such as proper training habits, team building, and age-appropriate tactics.

The program is offered at four district locations:

• Buffalo: Sportsplex Inc, North Tonawanda | Saturdays, 12:30 PM to 2 PM | Director: Jason Gac
• Binghamton: J.M. McDonald Sports Complex | Fridays, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Director: Zach Sarno
• Rochester: RNY FC Indoor Soccer Complex | Fridays, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Director: Jim Gentile
• Syracuse: OLR Indoor Training Center | Fridays, 6:00 Pm to 8:15 PM | Director: Darek Panol

Registration Information:

• Registration Fee: $250 per player.
• A required ODP training kit (approximatley $75) must also be ordered online separately.
• Register for the 10U/11U Pre-ODP Program
• View Full Program Details

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12U ODP (2015 Birth Year)

The 12U ODP program begins with winter indoor training at local and regional sites, designed to bring high-level development closer to players across the New York State West footprint. Site locations include Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. Indoor training runs from December 2026 through April 2027, with 10 training sessions plus five classroom sessions. In the spring, tryouts are held to select the State ODP outdoor pool, which advances to the East Region ODP Tournament in June.

• The indoor registration fee is $430 per player.
• Register for 12U ODP Indoor Training
• View Full 12U ODP Schedule and Details

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13U/14U ODP (2013, 2014 Birth Years)

District tryouts for 13U and 14U players are being held across four locations in late September, with call-back tryouts to follow in October. All tryouts are conducted outdoors on natural grass fields.

District Tryout Dates and Locations:

• Buffalo: Saturday, September 27th | 10:30 AM to 1 PM
• Rochester: Friday, September 26th | 10:30 AM to 1 PM
• Syracuse: Saturday, September 27th | 10:30 AM to 1 PM
• Binghamton: Friday, September 26th | 10:30 AM to 1 PM

Registration Details:

• Call-back tryouts will be held on Sunday, October 4th, in Rochester.
• Register for 13U and 14U ODP Tryouts

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15U/16U/17U ODP (2010, 2011, 2012 Birth Years)

Tryouts for 15U, 16U, and 17U players are held in December at the Lakefront Indoor Soccer Complex in Rochester. Boys and girls tryouts are held on separate dates.

Boys Tryouts:

• Saturday, December 12th: 15U Boys (2012s)
• Sunday, December 13th: 16U, 17U Boys (2010s, 2011s)

Girls Tryouts:

• Saturday, December 19th: 15U Girls (2012s)
• Sunday, December 20th: 16U, 17U Girls (2010s, 2011s)

Register for 15U, 16U, 17U ODP Tryouts

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19U ODP College Prep Program (2008, 2009 Birth Years)

New York State West has independently expanded its ODP programming to include a 19U College Prep training program, a level that does not exist nationally. Designed for serious players with an eye toward playing soccer in college, the 19U program provides high-level competitive training to supplement club and high school soccer. No tryouts are required, but the program is geared toward players with a strong desire for self-improvement and a commitment to training at an elite level.

The indoor program runs five training dates at the Lakefront Indoor Soccer Complex in Rochester (Webster). Each date includes two 90-minute training sessions with a lecture in between, covering topics such as proper training habits, tactics, nutrition, college recruiting, and mental performance. An outdoor spring phase (including scrimmages against college teams) will follow, with an additional fee assessed once that schedule is confirmed.

Boys and girls train on separate dates. An optional goalkeeper training program is also available at no additional cost for 19U goalkeepers.

Registration fee: $300 per player (indoor training only). A required ODP training kit (approximately $75) must be ordered separately.

• Register for the 19U ODP Program
• View Full 19U ODP Details

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Ready to Get Started?

Whether your child is ready to train at a higher level through The NYW Academy or prepared to take the next step in the ODP pathway, now is the time to register. Spots are limited and deadlines are approaching, so sign up today!

For more information on both programs, visit the New York State West ODP page or contact Dave Kreger at Techdir@nyswysa.org.

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!

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.

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!

One of the most prestigious events on the US Youth Soccer calendar is just around the corner, and registration is now open for New York State West ODP players who were named to their respective ODP Tournament Team rosters. The 2026 ODP East Region Tournament takes place during the weekend of June 5–7, bringing together elite youth soccer talent from across the East Region for three days of high-level competition.

“The ODP Tournament is a terrific opportunity to get NYW players exposure. To the ODP East Region coaching staff for selection to the regional portion of the program, and also to college coaches looking for talented players who will fit into their collegiate programs,” said Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director. “ODP players have long been thought of as more ‘seasoned’ players due to their participation in the supplemental high-level training and games that the ODP program provides. The ODP Tournament is an opportunity to showcase their improvement, test themselves against the best players in the East Region, and walk away with a renewed confidence that they are making significant strides to raise their game get to the next level.”

The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is one of US Youth Soccer’s premier player identification and development pathways. Designed to challenge and elevate the region’s top players, the East Region Tournament is the culmination of a year of training and evaluation, a stage where players get the opportunity to compete at their highest level, showcase their abilities, and represent their state associations.

For older players, the tournament also carries significant recruiting visibility. Players in the 2009–2011 age groups are encouraged to complete a College Recruiting Information Form to connect with college coaches who may be in attendance.

Event Details

The 2026 ODP East Region Tournament will take place from Friday, June 5th, through Sunday, June 7th. The event is hosted in New Jersey for the girls and across multiple field locations in Pennsylvania for the boys:

• Tuckahoe Turf Farm (Hammonton, New Jersey)
• Classics Soccer Park (Manheim, Pennsylvania)
• Hempfield High School (Landisville, Pennsylvania)
• East Petersburg Elementary School (East Petersburg, Pennsylvania)
• Junction Road Soccer Complex (Manheim, Pennsylvania)
• Lititz Road Turf (Manheim, Pennsylvania)

Boys and girls schedules will be posted on the US Youth Soccer event page as they become available.

Register Now

Registration for New York State West ODP players named to their respective ODP Tournament Team rosters is open now via GotSport. For full event details, field maps, event rules, and additional resources, visit the 2026 ODP East Region Event page on the US Youth Soccer website.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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!