OBJECTIVE/GOALS of ODP
In 1977, the Olympic Development Program was introduced to identify a pool of players, from which a National Team would be selected. This would begin at the state level, advancing regionally, and finally to the national level.
In the State of Tennessee, player development has shifted to the clubs, with ODP acting as a supplement, giving elite players opportunities to play against the best and to provide them exposure at the regional, national, and international levels.
The TN Olympic Development Program provides a process for Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) to identify and train the best players, so they may qualify for Tennessee Soccer, Region III, and US National Team Programs.
For players serious about continuing soccer beyond the high school level, this is a good program to get involved in. It is only for those willing to commit extra time and money beyond what club soccer entails.
To participate, players are recommended by their Club coach for the program. Players must then try out to qualify for the program’s high-level training from carefully selected and licensed coaches through a series of trials at their local, State Association and then Regional levels. Those selected are exposed to the nation’s best coaches, trainers and facilities.
In the State of Tennessee, ODP is run by TN State Soccer Association. Click here to go directly to the TSSA website.
