How it works
- It’s for individual players. Your child tries out on their own, separate from their club team, and keeps playing for their club.
- Run by each state. Mass Youth Soccer, NH Soccer Association, Soccer Maine, Connecticut Junior Soccer and the others run their own ODP under US Youth Soccer.
- Roughly ages 11–17. Exact age groups vary by state and follow the new August 1 cutoff.
- A typical year: tryouts in summer or fall, training through the winter, a state team named in late winter, and games against other states in spring. In New Hampshire, for example, open tryouts are in June, pool training runs November to February, and spring events include games with Maine and Vermont.
- Costs extra. There is a tryout fee and, if selected, program fees and travel on top of club costs.
Is it worth it?
ODP gives strong players extra high-level training and a chance to be seen beyond their club. It matters less for players already in MLS NEXT, ECNL or Girls Academy, where scouting is built in. Ask your club coach whether your child is ready to try out.