(Tampa, FL - October 5, 2004) The Super Y-League today announced the 2004 Olympic Development Program player selections for the National Camps that will be held in January and February in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

 

Over the course of the season players were evaluated by the Super Y-League's National Scouting Staff and recommended to Divisional ODP teams.  The technical staff of each club was also consulted regarding the recommendations for final selection of 16 players and six alternates for each Divisional ODP team.  The top players in the Super Y-League named to the ODP Divisional teams will go through a series of matches and tests at the National ODP Camp, which will be scoured by the US Soccer National Coaching Staff. The National ODP Camp will also allow select college and university coaches to attend the event to evaluate players for the collegiate level.

 

"We've been gradually building the Super Y-League's ODP system to focus more on the selection of players in their natural environment and utilizing the coaching staff of their respective clubs to recommend players that demonstrate the ability to be scouted for US National Team Programs," added Super Y-League Technical Director, Peter Vermes.

 

The Super Y-League began its player selection camps in January of 2004 and has worked on developing this new system for player identification in the United States over the past year.

 

"The times have changed with youth soccer. The landscape is evolving to include programs that are raising the level of the game in the U.S.," added Super Y-League Director, Matt Weibe.  "The Super Y-League is essential to best serve the top players, preparing them for the highest levels of the game and have through the league's ODP system to have them properly identified for U.S. National Team Programs."