WHAT IS THE ODP ACADEMY?

Coaches the world over have been trying to predict which young players will develop into the next Lionel Messi, Marta or Cristiano Ronaldo. To date, no one has a sure fire formula for identifying which of today’s youngsters will become the next star on the world stage. Coaches do however agree that young players with promise and potential, when placed in a good training environment and exposed to good coaching, can achieve a superior level of play.

To foster our young talent, New York State West Youth Soccer Association’s coaching staff created the Academy. The Academy is designed to expose young players to focused training sessions provided by nationally certified coaches. The ODP Academy Curriculum focuses on improving a player’s technical ability and tactical awareness. The six session program stresses fun and progress in a positive learning environment.

WHO CAN ATTEND THE ODP ACADEMY?

Expanded Age Groups – Players born in ’97, ‘98, ’99 and ’00 welcome

The Academy program, which is for both boys and girls, has traditionally been for current ODP players in our two youngest age groups. Last year we extended participation to younger age groups as well. Based on the success of last year’s program we will continue to invite an expanded group of young players both younger and older. This year we are inviting the current ’97, ’98, ’99 and ’00 players that are in our ODP pools. The invitation is also for any NEW ’97, ’98, ’99 and ’00 born players. Your child need not be in the ODP pool to participate. We welcome any new athletes who are serious players who wish to experience the high quality coaching associated with the Olympic Development Program. 

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE ODP ACADEMY HELD?

The Academy will be conveniently offered at five locations throughout the state. All training sessions will be held on Sunday afternoons: September 11, 18, 25 and October 16, 23, 30. Please check back for exact training times at each location. They will be posted as they become available.

ODP ACADEMY TRAINING SITES:

Rochester:  Veteran’s Memorial Park Fields, Town Hall, Penfield, Times: 1:00PM - 2:30PM

Syracuse:  CNY Family Sports Centre, Baldwinsville, Times: Noon-1:30pm

Elmira: Eldridge Park, Elmira, Boys and Girls: Noon-1:30pm

WHO WILL BE COACHING AT THE ODP ACADEMY?

Buffalo:  Chris Hershey, NYSWYSA Director of Coaching Education, Girls Region I ODP Staff

Rochester:  Jim Hewlett, NYSWYSA Assoc. Director of Coaching, Girls Region I ODP Staff

Syracuse:  Dean Foti, NYSWYSA Technical Director, Director NYW ODP

Elmira: Jonny Sinclair, NYSWYSA Assoc. Director of Coaching, NYSW U-13 Boys ODP Asst. Coach

Olean: Rob Jackman, NYSW U-13 Girls ODP Head Coach

WHAT TOPICS WILL BE COVERED AT THE ODP ACADEMY TRAINING SESSIONS?

(Registration Fee includes an Academy training uniform - jersey, shorts and socks – to be handed out at the first training session).

$220 “Walk in” registration fee from September 8^th on, or at the door at first session

Register early to save money and ensure placement. NYSWYSA reserves the right to close registration when capacity at any site is reached.