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Of the 32 players named, 24 are current or former members of US Youth Soccer ODP. Eleven players headed to Bradenton participated in last year’s US Youth Soccer ODP Interregionals, an event that brings together the four regional US Youth Soccer ODP teams in front of collegiate and U.S. National Team scouts. Sixteen players from this year’s class will play for MLS youth teams this coming season.
The residency players live on campus at the IMG Academy and train daily under the guidance of Wilmer Cabrera and assistant coaches Paul Grafer and Erik Imler. Cabrera was a former US Youth Soccer ODP coach for Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association and Imler was a member of the North Carolina US Youth Soccer ODP staff.
"The majority of the players coming through to the national teams have experience playing at high levels around the country. Players in programs such as US Youth Soccer ODP are familiar with the standards required to compete at the highest level and when they come through to the national team they have an idea about what it will take for them and for our national teams to be successful," said U.S. Under-17 Men's National Team head coach Wilmer Cabrera when asked what makes US Youth Soccer ODP a valuable program for players seeking advancement through the youth levels, specifically those seeking to be a part of the national team.
US Youth Soccer ODP is offered in every state, thus casting a nationwide net to find players capable of playing at the next level.
Cabrera added, "Competing on a national level is essential for players looking to reach the next level. Players who can test themselves against opposition on a state-wide or region-wide basis give themselves the best opportunity to improve and gain exposure, whether they ultimately go on to play college soccer, professional or with the national teams somewhere down the road."
All players were born in 1996 and are the first cycle to be eligible for 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.
"Our organization is known for the best youth soccer in the country and our member clubs and coaches are to be commended for their efforts in developing the future of American soccer," said John Sutter, president of US Youth Soccer. "Our elite-level programs, such as US Youth Soccer ODP, US Youth Soccer National Championship Series and US Youth Soccer National League, continue to provide the highest level of development and visibility to our players across the country and assist to better prepare our national teams for competition."
The US Youth Soccer ODP was formed in 1977 to identify a pool of players in each age group from which a national team will be selected for international competition; to provide high-level training to benefit and enhance the development of players at all levels; and, through the use of carefully selected and licensed coaches, develop a mechanism for the exchange of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.
US Youth Soccer ODP is the original Olympic development program and is the only elite player development program that can claim members of Major League Soccer and Women's Professional Soccer, as well as a majority of current and past national and youth team members, as alumni. US Youth Soccer ODP exists in every State Association and offers collegiate and national team staff coaches the opportunity to see the nation's elite players in the most competitive of environments. In addition to training and tactics, US Youth Soccer ODP also offers competitions such as regional and national championships as well as participation in international tournaments. US Youth Soccer ODP continues to lead the way for elite player identification and development in the United States.
For more information on US Youth Soccer, visit www.USYouthSoccer.org. For more information on U.S. Soccer Under-17 Residency Program, visit www.USSoccer.com. To see the current roster, click here. PA West Soccer Position Statement On ODP-US Soccer Player Development Academy The Coaching Education Department is proud to provide a teaching tool designed for administrators, coaches, parents and anyone who cares about children to assist them in providing positive learning atmosphere for our children. The DVD will assist adults in helping young players play and keeping the fun in youth sports. “Positive Parenting” discusses the practice and game environment as well as the ride home, each from the perspective of the players, referees and coaches. PA West Soccer Youth Vice President Stan Hunter encourages everyone involved with younger players to take a look at US Youth Soccer’s latest offering, “This DVD is another step in a series of training tools provided by US Youth Soccer that are available to PA West Soccer members. We urge all our clubs and/or parents to purchase a copy, review the valuable material, and implement its recommendations so that we may further enhance the development of our youth players.” To learn more about Positive Parenting for Youth Soccer visit USYouthSoccer.org. The US Youth Soccer Online Store also offers a number of resources for coaches, parents and soccer enthusiasts from DVDS, books, downloadable materials, articles on player development, coaching education and fitness to the latest news on the various programs offered by US Youth Soccer. PA WEST COACHING AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT MISSION STATEMENT Emphasizing that playing soccer should be made an enjoyable experience. Encouraging the creation of age-appropriate environments through the use of small-sided games. Asking coaches to utilize appropriate teaching methods (age-appropriate activities and games), whilst letting the game be the teacher. Increasing the awareness of safety issues/adult behavior issues. Allowing participation in that level of competition that enables players to be challenged at their appropriate level....including the elite player. Emphasizing player development over winning/losing, especially amongst younger players. SPECIFICALLY OUR GOALS ARE TO: Support the development of coaches working with 10-14 year olds, who are emphasizing "technical development in the game," through the provision of PA West Coaching Schools. Identify and educate coaches who can enhance coaching development and player development programs. Player Development Enhance the technical development of players by offering player development programs. Support the player development efforts of clubs in older age groups by reducing conflicts/overlap with programs like the PA West Olympic Teams. Make PA West Olympic Teams identification orientated, competitive and inexpensive. Soccer Environment Develop competitions/awards that encourage/recognize skill development and the promotion of other "task goals" amongst PA West clubs and players. Lobby clubs with older teams (U15+) to participate in the highest level of competition available (e.g. for elite players, regular participation in recognized regional leagues/tournaments). Help the spread of soccer into all communities regardless of race, gender, disability, etc. Encourage and nurture a passion for soccer amongst our member players, so that retention rates improve and the continued growth of the Amateur Division is enhanced. |
PA West Soccer
111 Whitehead Lane, Suite 200, Monroeville, PA 15146
Tel: 412.856.8011 | Fax: 412.856.8012
Email: stateoffice@pawest-soccer.org
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