ODP Tryouts: Thoughts & Hints

Over the years and just recently I have been asked about ODP. The major question has been, "is this going to be something that makes my child just realize that she is not good enough again?" It is a common concern, as tryouts can be overwhelming on the mental side of a child. I find myself answering it in two ways: as a passionate soccer coach or as a concerned friend.

As a coach, I am a strong believer that the more time you spend on the ball, the more time you train/compete with strong players the better a player s chances are to improve their abilities as a soccer player. I believe the tryout experience provides a competitive atmosphere that is incomparable because of the level of competition and the pressure to perform at the highest level at all times. Again, as a coach, I think every player should be put in these type of situations where they have to perform to be rewarded.

As a concerned friend, I strongly suggest that the parents take on a huge role of explaining that making the ODP team is not the end all be all of their soccer career. I suggest to the parents to explain to their kids that they are there to do their best and see if they are recognized or not. They are also there to get a glimpse of what they are up against. Hopefully we as adults can steer our children in a direction that they will benefit from the experience because they were prepared properly. It is our job as adults to expect these children to go give it their best but explain that this is not the end of their soccer career if they do not make the ODP pool.

There is great pride in being invited to be part of ODP as a player. This is because there are only a select few that make it in to their age groups player pool. Players that are accepted in to the ODP pool should be proud of what they have worked hard for. Those that do not make the ODP pool should take the tryouts as an opportunity to self evaluate themselves. Hopefully this self evaluation is a positive one, as it should be an opportunity to have their eyes open to what they are capable of. Many players might attend, see the competition and want to quit after they see what they are lacking.

I strongly encourage all players that are psychologically mature enough and mentally prepared to attend all of the ODP tryouts. On the other side, if the child is not mentally mature enough to handle this highly competitive atmosphere I hope that we as adults will advise against the tryouts. If we believe that it is going to be a positive experience that increases their level of passion for the game then please attend, otherwise...there is a Real Salt Lake Match to attend!

Here are some articles to read regarding ODP tryouts:
How can I enhance my chances of being selected for ODP or a club team or a school team?
What it takes to be successful in the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program
Keys To A Successful (ODP) Tryout
How Coaches Assess PlayersTalent and Potential