To Prospective ODP Players and Parents:
The dynamics have changed over the years and the reality is ODP has become identification rather than development. Player development has shifted to the clubs, with ODP acting as a supporting role, providing elite players opportunities to play against the best and provide them exposure at the regional/national levels.
We will continue to provide our players with as many opportunities as possible to improve, at the same time understanding the club will be the center of the players schedule. We ask for your support in helping identify and bring our elite players together to train with each other and play against the best in each state. The above benefits, plus the exposure to college coaches and the ability to represent your state, region and country are most beneficial to the student-athlete.
Our 2009-2010 ODP calendar is now up on the website, as well as the ODP process, which most of you are familiar with. If you have any players who you feel have the ability to play at the ODP level, please call/email/mail us, so we can send a staff member out to evaluate and the chance to be invited to the training pool. For the youngest age group, we will have statewide open tryouts at sites in each of the four ODP districts.
The calendars, along with the informational packet and player recommendation form are on the www.tnsoccer.org website.
Normally, all age groups train on the same day early on during the ODP season; however, I needed to spread them across different dates as per RPL, GIT, CASL, etc.
I tried to find the best date (s) possible not to conflict with the above. I appreciate your understanding.
Tom Condone – Assistant DOC TN State Soccer Association