Parent Guide to MO ODP
Thank you for signing up for the 2023/2024 Missouri Olympic Development Program! We look forward to working with your son/daughter during this part of their soccer journey.
The ODP experience is one that will allow players to develop and to be identified at the State, Regional, and National levels. Throughout their ODP experience, they will be exposed to different coaches and they will have a chance to see the game through a different lens — a very healthy part of growing as a person, and as a player. We fully expect the players to have a fun and enjoyable experience while participating in the Missouri Olympic Development Program.
If you have any questions along the way, please feel free to reach out to me directly.
Sincerely,
Jeff Muhr
Director of Coaching and Director of MO ODP
Missouri Youth Soccer Association
Our ODP Philisophy
We believe that playing with those of equal or greater ability is a tremendous teaching tool; one that will allow for maximum growth and development. Putting players in this kind of environment will allow for appropriate selection and placement.
The ODP is a supplement to what the players get in their other soccer environments (club, high school, etc.) We believe that collaboration by all will allow for players to maximize their talents. Therefore, we believe that we must foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect between clubs, high schools and the MYSA ODP.
What is ODP?
The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program was formed in 1977 to identify a pool of players in each age group from which a National Team will be selected for international competition.
ODP Mission
The mission of the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program is to identify players of the highest caliber on a continuing and consistent basis, which will lead to increased success for the US National Teams.
The mission of the Missouri Youth Soccer Association’s (MYSA) Olympic Development Program is to identify the top players registered within the State of Missouri to develop these players through quality coaching, and to help these players gain recognition at the State, Regional, and National levels.
ODP Goals
1. To identify a pool of players in each age group to be named to the State Team as well as the identification of individual players to be selected to participate in the Midwest Regional ID Camp.
2. To provide an opportunity for players to play in front of college coaches, USYS Region Staff, MLS Next Scouts, MLS Scouts, and United States Soccer Federation Scouts; especially in the older age groups.
The Process
The ODP seasonal year follows the same season as clubs; August 1 through July 31. Player registration opens July 1, 2024 . The registration fee of $275.00 is paid upon registration. Players are evaluated during Open Training Sessions, Tryout Weekends, and the ODP Winter Friendlies in Kansas City. State Team, Alternates, and Pool players will be announced on/before December 20, 2024 (excluding developmental age groups of 2013-2015.)
Player Commitment
Players should do their best to be at all tryouts and additional sessions. The more we get to see the players, the better we get to know them. These events stretch from August through June. We understand that there are other responsibilities that the player takes on with being a member of a club. We ask that if you commit to being a part of the ODP, you give your best effort both on and off the field. Remember that you are representing the state of Missouri as a member of this program. We ask that you be respectful to both your club coaches and your ODP coaches while you manage your playing calendar.
Cost / What is included?
The program fee is $275.00. The fee covers up to 18 training/tryout sessions, two (2) tryout shirts, field fees, and administrative expenses of the program.
All State Team Players and Alternates will be required to order a uniform kit. A kit consists of two (2) jerseys (home and away), a pair of shorts, and two pairs of socks. Kits are expected to cost approximately $90. Kits are the players to keep. Kits for the 2024/2025 Season are in the second year of a 2-year cycle. Those returning from the 2023/2024 season may purchase supplemental items. Those new will be required to purchase a new kit for the season.
Equipment to Bring
While participating in the ODP, players should not wear or bring any gear that identifies a particular club or high school. (ODP is a club neutral environment.) Players are always asked to bring both tryout shirts (home and away), shin guards, water and properly inflated soccer ball.
Age Groups
The age groups for ODP are determined by the year of birth of the player. That is, players are put together if they were born between January 1 and December 31 of the same birth year.
The youngest age groups (2013-2015) are considered “Developmental.” We do not designate developmental players into State Team, Alternates, or Pool Players. The coaches will sort the players into “like skill groups” so that they can be appropriately placed in events.
There are age (10) age groups involved in the MO ODP each year. For the 2024/2025 ODP season, the 10 age groups are:
- 2006 Boys and Girls
- 2007 Boys and Girls
- 2008 Boys and Girls
- 2009 Boys and Girls
- 2010 Boys and Girls
- 2011 Boys and Girls
- 2012 Boys and Girls
Developmental Age Groups:
- 2013 Boys and Girls
- 2014 Boys and Girls
- 2015 Boys and Girls
Supplemental Events
All players may be offered additional opportunities to attend tournaments/showcases as they become available with their respective ODP teams throughout the year. Additional costs will apply to these events.
For those players invited to attend the Midwest Regional ID Camp in 2025, there is an additional cost for this event, as well. All arrangements will be made directly with a Region II representative. Since the Region has gone to a format that no longer has teams attending the competition, MYSA no longer arranges any transportation to or from any Regional Event.