ODP GENERAL INFO

General Information

The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program is a national identification and development program for high-level players.  The program identifies and develops youth players throughout the country to represent their state and regional associations.  At the state association level, pools of players are identified in each eligible age group, and brought together as a team to develop their skill through training and competition.  From the state pools and subsequent teams, players are identified for regional and national pools and teams.  Maryland State ODP teams are comprised of the best Maryland players in various age groups.

US Youth Soccer is divided into four regions, each Region offers a regional identification camp for state association ODP players in each eligible age group pool. Maryland is part of the East Region. The camps are designed to provide high level competition and training for participating players. During this training and competition, players who are capable of performing at a higher level of play are identified for possible regional pool, or regional team participation. 

More information concerning the East Region can be found by clicking here​
What it takes to be successful in the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program By: John Ellinger – US Youth Soccer Technical Department
How does ODP fit into Today’s Competitive Soccer Landscape? By: Gandalf French – MSYSA ODP Technical Director

Seasonal year Overview

Please see the calendar linked above for more specific information. 

• Tryouts: 12U-17U (all age groups)begins in September
• Invitation only callback tryouts will take place immediately after each age group finishes their open tryouts
• All age groups begin training in early January with outdoor sessions on Sundays and virtual classroom sessions through February
  • 17G need to opt – in
• All age groups pools participate in the Maryland Invitational in late February
  • 17G need to opt – in
• All groups pools participate in the Virginia Friendlies in late February 
  • 12b, 12G, 17G need to opt – in
• All groups begin outdoor training on Mondays in March
• Teams of selected players from all age groups participate in the East Region Tournament (invited players only)
• Select players from all age groups will be invited to participate in the East Region Identification Camp without additional cost (invited players only)

2026 Training Schedule

Please note that training times and locations can change without notice. Please review the information linked below frequently.

Boys and Girls 12U-17U Training Schedules (posted 10/30)
Liberty Park Field Map

Coaching Staff

• ODP Technical Director:
  • Gandalf French
• Goalkeeping
  • Director of Goalkeeping: Ryan Deuber
  • Goalkeeper Coaches: Wills Huddleston, Matt Poell,
• 12U Girls
  • Pool Coach: Amanda Casares
  • Team Coaches: Erica Kline, Flor Katz-Star,
• 13U Girls
  • Pool Coach: Diana Lombardi
  • Team Coaches: Nick Papadis
• 14U Girls
  • Pool Coach: Jen Smithson
  • Team Coaches: Sarah Dewitt
• 15U Girls
  • Pool Coach: Athena Gramates
• 16U/17U Girls
  • Pool Coach: Angela Amato
• 12U Boys
  • Pool Coach: Gavin Dodd
  • Team Coaches: Antonios Araviakis, Nathean Meadows, Ian Zacharewicz
• 13U Boys
  • Pool Coach: Corey Childs
  • Team Coaches: James Le, Oliver Male
• 14U Boys
  • Pool Coach: Scott Currie
  • Team Coaches: Sean Martin
• 15U Boys
  • Pool Coach: Jessie Balsamo
• 16U Boys
  • Pool Coach: Alex Douyon
• 17U Boys
  • Pool Coach: John LaRocca
• Staff Coaches
  • Jesse Balsamo, Amanda Casares, Alex Douyon, Tim Garcia, Brooke Greybeck, William Jarvis, Flor Katz-Star, Joe Newman, Nick Papadis

Fees

Program fees vary based on the player age group and gender due to different age appropriate competitions each player pool competes in throughout the year. All fees include the following:

• Uniform kit
• Coach fees
• Field fees
• Certified Athletic Trainers at ALL trainings/events
• Administrative cost
• All trainings
• Regional ID Camp for invited players

Regional Tournament fees ($100), international trips, and travel costs are NOT included in the program fees. Fees for each age group that participates in selected Friendly events covers those events as well. 

Information regarding financial assistance and age group specific information can be found below.

Information regarding Cancellation Policies and Program Credits can be found on our website here.

12U Boys & Girls (2014/2015)

Cost: $1,075

Payment plan: A $325 deposit will be due 11/15/2025. Five additional installment payments of $150 will be due on the first of the month and will be automatically withdrawn monthly from January to May, 2026.

Fees for this age group also include the Maryland Invitational. *Option to add on Virginia Friendlies. Cost $100

13U-17U Boys (2013-2009) & 13U-15U Girls (2013-2011)

Cost: $1,300

Payment plan: A $325 deposit will be due 11/15/2025. Five additional installment payments of $195 will be due on the first of the month and will be automatically withdrawn monthly from January to May, 2026.

Fees for these age groups also include the Virginia Friendlies and the Maryland Invitational.

U17 Girls (2010/2009)

Cost: $1,000

Payment plan: A $175 deposit will be due 11/15/2025. Five additional installment payments of $165 will be due on the first of the month and will be automatically withdrawn monthly from January to May, 2026.

*Option add on 5 Winter Training sessions and 1 additional event. Cost $250

Financial Aid

The 2026 scholarship application opened 11/3/2025.

There are several ways to receive financial assistance to reduce the cost of participation, including scholarships and sponsorship.

Scholarship

The Need-Based scholarship may be applied for from November 3rd to December 3rd. All applicants will be notified either way by December 31st. 

Scholarship amounts will be primarily based on need and will be assigned as follows: 

• Partial scholarship: This award means that the family is responsible for a certain percentage of the program fee. The payment schedules with applicable due dates will remain the same, however, with modified amounts. 
• Full scholarship: This award means that the family is responsible for none of the program fees.
• Deposit fees and event fee(s) are not typically subject to scholarship; however, in rare instances, the MSYSA will consider special circumstances. 
• Travel: Scholarship awards are not typically used for travel to ODP events; however, in rare instances, the MSYSA will consider special circumstances. 

***PLEASE NOTE*** All information provided will be kept confidential and destroyed after the current season.

Sponsorship

Players (and their families) may wish to consider sponsorship opportunities to assist in covering some of their cost. To receive sponsorship, players are encouraged to go to local businesses and seek donations. These sponsorship donations are tax deductible for the business and will be credited directly toward the players’ financial responsibilities.

We highly recommend that players utilize our tips, request letter, and fact sheet when addressing businesses or other organizations. All donations should be submitted using the Player Sponsorship Form.

Join Our Coaching Staff!

The Maryland State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA) is accepting coaching resumes from qualified individuals to work with the Maryland State Olympic Development Program (ODP) for the 2025 ODP Cycle. 

These are paid coaching positions with vacancies for Team Coaches, and Goalkeeper Coaches for both the boys and girls training pools at our home location, Liberty Park!

Qualified coaches must hold a minimum of the USSF National “D” License (or equivalent) or be in the process of obtaining this license. Additionally candidates must have a proven record displaying their ability to teach the sport and demonstrate they can serve as an ambassador for the association. 

Please submit your soccer resume and two (2) references to the MSYSA Technical Director at programs@msysa.org.  

Review of qualified coaches for each upcoming ODP Cycle is ongoing. The opportunity to join the staff will remain open until all vacancies are filled. This typically occurs by the end of July, with tryouts starting in September.

Additional Program Information:

• Calendar of Training and Events
• Current Coaching Staff

Anti-Discrimination Policy:

MSYSA provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. MSYSA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.