As a former professional and national team player I understand the demands of what it takes to get to the next level. It takes a lot of training and preparation to make it there. 

 

I also understand the importance of communicating with the players.  It is important that you know what the National Scouting Network will be looking for in a player.  I have put together some information below to keep you informed on the 2004 ODP System.

 

Yours is Soccer,
Peter Vermes

 

Q: What will the SYL ODP Scouts look for in a player?

 

A: The SYL ODP will use the USSF components of coaching soccer in identifying players:  

 

Technique: A player’s individual technique on the ball and how it is applied to the demands of the game will be our focus, i.e, passing on the ground or passing in the air.

 

Tactics: Each player will be evaluated on how they carryout their individual and team tactics during the course of the game.  More specifically how they adapt when defending, attacking, time, score and adjustments made throughout the game.

 

Fitness: Each player will be evaluated by their speed/agility, strength/power, recovery and overall game fitness.

 

Psychology: Each player will be observed on their positive attitude on and off the field.

 

The SYL ODP Scouting Network is looking for players that possess a combination of these components and more importantly how they apply these to the demands of the game.

 

Q: What will the SYL ODP Scouts look for in a Goalkeeper?

 

A: The goalkeeping position is unique and requires different skills to be evaluated.  The areas in which the goalkeeper will be evaluated are:

The SYL ODP Scouting Network is looking for goalkeepers that possess a combination of these components and more importantly how they apply these to the demands of the game.

 

Q: Can I be on both the State ODP Teams and SYL ODP Teams, and what is the difference?

 

A: Yes.  Both programs offer equal opportunities to be identified for U.S. National Team Programs.  

The difference is the SYL is that the identification for SYL Regional ODP teams is based around your league play within the SYL.  The National Scouting Network contains coaches within the club system to identify players.  Each of your coaches in the club are part of the scouting program.

 

If you are one of the players that does not react well to the state open tryout system or do not react well with unfamiliar players, this system will be able to help you get identified if you have the abilities to go to the next level.  You also may be one of those players that plays better on your club team.  The National Scouting Network will look at players over the course of a season, so you don’t have to worry if you don’t perform well in a few games because there will be plenty of games.

 

Just as other national teams throughout the world utilize the club system to identify players, we recognize that the club system is the most important means to identify players. The US Soccer National Staff Coaches will then scour players at the Regional ODP weekends to identify players for US National Team Programs. 

 

Q: The ODP Regional ID Weekends are during January.  What if I have High School soccer at the same time?

 

A: No matter where you are in the country there will always be a conflict somewhere. Some High School seasons are in the spring, some are in the fall and some are in the winter.  Prior to the start of the High School season, you should have your parents notify your High School coach and athletic director in writing that you have been selected to the Regional ODP Identification Weekend which is a sanctioned program of the United States Olympic Committee and the United States Soccer Federation.  Since the Regional ODP Weekend will be on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday, you should miss minimal High School soccer activities.