Will Scherer, NJ Youth Soccer
The New Jersey Olympic Development Program (NJODP) recently participated in the North Carolina ODP Sub-Regional Event for the first time. The competition provided NJODP players with the opportunity to face ODP teams from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia. As the inaugural live-action tournament of the 2024-2025 season, the event offered a perfect platform for players to showcase their skills while representing NJODP in a competitive and high-caliber environment.
“We added this event to the calendar as it gave our teams the opportunity to play against states we do not regularly face,” said James Galanis the Director of Soccer Operations for New Jersey Youth Soccer. “This event now gives our teams the opportunity to play against over 10 states throughout the course of the year, expanding the experience for our players.”
North Carolina ODP hosted a well-run event in exceptional facilities. The competition was also high-level, which was an additional benefit for NJODP players.
“Our New Jersey teams had a fantastic soccer experience at the North Carolina Sub-Regional Event,” said Ben Chrnelich, NJ ODP 2011 Girls coach. “We appreciated the hospitality from the host teams, the facilities were first class, and the games were very competitive. We are looking forward to this event being part of our annual schedule.”
The Sub-Regional event featured numerous games throughout the two days, with competitive matchups for boys’ and girls’ divisions in age groups ranging from 2008 to 2013.
“The North Carolina January ODP Sub-Regional Event is designed to create a competitive, developmental environment that enhances the experience and enjoyment for ODP teams and players,” said John Trice, NCYSA Associate Technical Director. “Our staff appreciated the opportunity for New Jersey ODP to join teams from Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia and North Carolina at this event, allowing for more diverse opponents and experiences.”
NJ Youth Soccer and the New Jersey ODP would like to express their gratitude to the North Carolina Youth Soccer Association for hosting the January Sub-Regional Event, as well as thank the families and players who attended and supported the event.
The Olympic Development Program (ODP) is an identification system affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation and US Youth Soccer. It provides players with a pathway that could lead to regional and U.S. Youth National Team representation. Established in 1977, ODP was the first program in the country aimed at identifying potential youth national team players. ODP players progress from local to state, regional and potentially national levels, offering opportunities for personal development and exposure to college coaches.
For more information about New Jersey ODP, please email odp@njyouthsoccer.com. Also, make sure to visit the program online and like the official New Jersey ODP Facebook Page.