John Napier on ODP Development:
Olympic Development Program better known as (ODP) is a very important component of getting soccer players recognized at the next level. Is it the only identification program? Obviously not, there is also the boys Academy program, the Elite Clubs National League on the girl’s side, U.S. club soccer, and many more. I think each program does a good job of trying to get the young players identified and give them a chance to be seen at the highest level.
I have been involved in the ODP soccer program for many years both on the boys and currently on the girls’ side. I am often asked “do you get the best players coming into the program”? My answer is always the same, “I think we get a large percentage of the best players”. There are various reasons why some players are not selected, they may have not shown well when scouted (happens). They were not put forward by their clubs, (which is important to be scouted). With others it may be financial, but Cal South is very generous with its scholarship fund, and helps the majority of young players if they are selected and cannot fund the cost of travel.
If you look at the history of the Cal South ODP soccer youth program over the last 20 years it is really remarkable. Six of our 2010 Men’s National World Cup Team players all played in the Cal South ODP youth soccer program. Cal South ODP program is by far the strongest program in the US, placing more players on the Regional and National teams than any other Region. It continues to get stronger every year but I have seen other regions getting better also, and that all comes down to good club coaching, that is where it is at, when we get them at the ODP level all the coaching foundation has been established at the club level with their club coach, all we do is showcase them and try to get them identified when they go to Regional summer camps. So club coaching is the key, club development is the key, we just open the door, and hope the players will take the opportunity.
Cal South ODP Head Coach Steve Hoffman and his office staff need to be recognized for the behind the scenes work that they do for these young players, many families and players will never know how much time is put into getting them recognized. It is a mammoth task, from scouting, to training, to uniforms, to transportation, meals hotels, goes on and on! Kathy and Steve work so hard to make it so much easier for the players and families.
John Napier Girls 95 ODP Head Coach
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