If you know players interested in trying out for ODP

***If you know players interested in trying out for ODP, please share the following information re: 2011 ODP Open Tryouts***

Who: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 & 1999 Boys and Girls
What: NTSSA is seeking the BEST players, boys and girls, in North Texas! We are looking for technical players who are skilled and creative, smart, have strong character, and possess the competitive fire to compete at the highest level in their age group.

1998 & 1999
When: September 18 & October 2, 2011
Where:
McInnish Park
2340 Sandy Lake Rd
Carrollton, TX 75006

Times: 98 Boys & Girls - 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
99 Boys - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
99 Girls - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

1997, 1996 & 1995
When: September 18 & October 2, 2011
Where: TBD

Times: 97 Boys & Girls - 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
96 Boys & Girls - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
95 Boys & Girls - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Cost: One-time fee of $50

Register Here: https://www.gotsport.com/asp/application/reg/?ProgramID=10514&Type=PLAYER


The Tryout Process
For the 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 & 1999 birth years, the tryouts will be over two days, comprising of 2 x 2-hour sessions. Cost is a one-time fee $50 whether players attend one or both tryout dates. It is NOT mandatory to attend both tryout dates. However, players are HIGHLY encouraged to attend both tryout dates to ensure the best possible evaluation(s) for acceptance to ODP.

Birth Year
For the first tryout, boys and girls will be split by birthdates. Players born in the first 6 months of their birth year will be separated from players born in the second 6 months of their birth year. We recognize the difference in competitive experience of the boys and girls trying out and we cater for realistic vs. unrealistic expectations in the initial stages of the tryout process. We have one eye on the present and one eye on the future soccer player. Nature must take its natural course.

Player Positions
Players will be divided by position for the first tryout (i.e. goalkeepers, full backs, central defenders, outside midfielders, center midfielders, forwards). They will stay in this group for the first tryout. For the second and third tryouts, players will be placed onto teams.

Technical Execution
North Texas ODP players are "Masters of the Ball!" Players have the individual initiative to be creative and perform effectively with less space and time.
Players must be able to receive and control the ball on the ground and in the air with both feet to hold, keep and retain possession.
Soccer is a passing game. The North Texas State Teams play the "Modern" way, 1 and 2 touch, quality passing and ball circulation. North Texas players retain possession of the ball under extreme pressure from opposing players in small spaces and pass the ball accurately over varying distances with quick clean execution on the move.
1 v. 1 offensively and defensively, an ODP player must be strong in their position.

Tactical I.Q.
North Texas ODP players have a "High Soccer I.Q."
Ability to 'read the game' and make the right decision at the right time on and off the ball.
"On the Ball". This involves players selecting the best option available. Before receiving the ball, players can take a "snap shot" of their surroundings (i.e. opponents, teammates, position on the field in order to make the right selection). Can the player see it and then play it? North Texas State Team play, is playing with the head up! Hence, speed of play, split second execution and decision making is crucial to perform well at this level of play.
"Off the Ball". This involves clever positional awareness, reading the game in advance and anticipating the play. Smart soccer players understand instinctively how to position off the ball to create time and space for themselves or for their teammates.
Individual and collective understanding (i.e.def, mf, fwds), positioning responsibly in the rapid transition from attack to defense and vice versa.
High tempo/intensity of the game demands players think and act faster.

Athletic Attributes
Size does not matter! There is no substitute for skill! If a player is good enough, they are old enough! We are aware of the Early Developers vs. the Late Bloomers.
If small in stature, the young soccer player must play BIG! A first team North Texas player always has an impact on the game in their position.
Boys and girls selected for the North Texas ODP first team have the athletic attributes (i.e. speed and strength) to hold their own and compete at the highest level in their age group.
Intensive physical efforts as a result of repeated changes of tempo hence: stamina, strength, coordination, flexibility to facilitate quick recovery.
Players will need to be skillful, quick and/or fast.

Mental Self Discipline
Players must have self-discipline and self- belief to strive to succeed.
At this level, players are dedicated to self-improvement on and off the field.
Adaptability, versatility to adjust within the game and/or to play different positions.
Players MUST have a positive practice and game temperament.
Good players are courageous and always want the ball.

Format
Boys and girls will be evaluated on their technical execution in the skills of the game:
Receiving
Passing
Dribbling
Shooting
Ball Control
Shielding
Crossing
Turning
Running with the ball
Tackling
Heading
Goalkeeping
Opposed practice will be evaluated in the following:
1 v. 1
4 v. 4
8 v. 8
11 v. 11

Staff
There will be 2 NTX ODP staff coaches per 16 players. One staff coach will organize and run the session. The senior staff coach will evaluate/grade the players. The staff will be relaxed, player centered, and helpful. At the tryout stage, no coaching/instruction will be given so we can see if the players know and can do the tasks assigned during the tryouts.
The Mission of North Texas ODP

The purpose of the NTX Olympic Development Program is to identify and develop the top players in the state, in partnership with the competitive clubs and teams statewide. Our focus is player development. Working together with our competitive leagues, clubs and teams, we complement each other and, through this process, the level of play within the state is impacted in a positive manner.

NTSSA ODP is an opportunity, a pathway, for elite player development.the "best of the best" in the state. Participants will be challenged technically, tactically, physically, and mentally, playing at this higher level. Gifted boys and girls will learn on their feet, play quicker, and be on their toes as every facet of their game will be stretched. We aim to elevate the game of the truly elite players.

Like a pyramid we start with a big base a strong foundation and have a large pool of 100 players. From this pool we select four teams. Each year we reduce the teams from four, to three, to two, to one as the boys and girls mature. "The cream rises to the top," only the gifted with the right drive, desire and determination to succeed persist and remain.

ODP provides an efficient, yet relaxed, environment where the truly gifted players will excel. The program is player development, not results, oriented. Practice is deliberate and progresses from simple to complex. Games are high level. The coaching staff is player centered using a soft approach, few words, 'one ounce of theory to a ton of practice' with lots of praise, clear, concise, simple, and honest feedback, with no shouting. Young players are given opportunities to make decisions, solve problems - we give them cues/clues not answers.

We have found, over the years, this developmental approach speeds up learning to create the best all around experience. The list below is an example of just a few players over the years that have benefitted from this program:

1983: Clint Dempsey (USA, Fulham, Premier Div) Brittany Barakat (Univ. Connecticut))
1984: Drew Moor (Colorado, MLS) Kasey White (USA U21)
1985: Ramone Nunez (Leeds, Honduras) Kerri Hanks (USA U19, U20,Herman winner 2 yrs)
1986: Chase Wileman (USA U17) Amy Berend (USA U20)
1987: Jose Torres (Pachuca, Mexico 1st Div) Natalie and Cydne Currie (TX. A & M)
1988: Corben Bone (Chicago, MLS) Kat Lagow (LSU)
1989: Jarred Jeffrey (USA U20; Mainz,Bundesliga) Melissa Henderson (USA U23)
1990: TJ Eaton (USA U17) Ashley Rape (USA U18)
1991: Dillon Powers (USA U20; Gatorade player of yr) Alina Garciamendez (Mexico Natl. Team)
1992: Alfred Koroma (USA U17) Chioma Ubogagu (USA U20)
1993: Jeffrey Torda (Reg III) Taylor Smith (USA U17)
1994: Matthew Dunn (USA U17) Casie and Brooke Ramsier (Reg III)
1995: Kellyn Acosta (USA U17) Claire Wheatley (Reg III)
1996: Alan Winn (Reg III) Kristina Schultz (Reg III)
1997: Jacob Hernandez (Reg III) Mimi Asom (Reg III)
1998: Ben Hale (Reg III) Jordan Harr (Reg III)
1999: Paxton Pomykaal (Reg III) ?
2000: ?

Who: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 & 1999 Boys and Girls
What: NTSSA is seeking the BEST players, boys and girls, in North Texas! We are looking for technical players who are skilled and creative, smart, have strong character, and possess the competitive fire to compete at the highest level in their age group.

1998 & 1999
When: September 18 & October 2, 2011
Where:
McInnish Park
2340 Sandy Lake Rd
Carrollton, TX 75006

Times: 98 Boys & Girls - 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
99 Boys - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
99 Girls - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

1997, 1996 & 1995
When: September 18 & October 2, 2011
Where: TBD

Times: 97 Boys & Girls - 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
96 Boys & Girls - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
95 Boys & Girls - 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Cost: One-time fee of $50

Register Here: https://www.gotsport.com/asp/application/reg/?ProgramID=10514&Type=PLAYER