ODP tryouts questions

[Unregistered]

Why do they wait so long to announce the pool after tryouts? What do they learn by waiting, is there a potential callback or something? Don't they know the pool a couple of days after tryouts?

[Unregistered]

Actually, they let people know the pool list my the first week of September. The try-outs end by the last week of August. It really isn't that long of a wait.

Also, they will be having fall training now.

[Unregistered]

Actually, they let people know the pool list my the first week of September. The try-outs end by the last week of August. It really isn't that long of a wait.

Also, they will be having fall training now.

Fall training was never mentioned in any of the meetings

[Unregistered]

Fall training was never mentioned in any of the meetings

You are talking two different ages. Through U14 there is fall training and they have to make decisions fast. For U15 and up there is no fall training due to high school soccer so they apparently take their time. What difference does it make other than your desire to brag?

[Unregistered]

You are talking two different ages. Through U14 there is fall training and they have to make decisions fast. For U15 and up there is no fall training due to high school soccer so they apparently take their time. What difference does it make other than your desire to brag?

This must be something completely new because its not been done in the past 6 years or so

And desire to brag? WTF was that about SFB?

[Unregistered]

You are talking two different ages. Through U14 there is fall training and they have to make decisions fast. For U15 and up there is no fall training due to high school soccer so they apparently take their time. What difference does it make other than your desire to brag?

My U17 never had any fall ODP since she started as a U14, was never part of the program. Must be new.

[Guest44]

U13 and U14 only will have Fall training which is brand new.

[Unregistered]

Fall training is something new and must be a strategy to compete with the DAP on the boys' side. The DAP stripped most of the talent from ODP from U15/16 up

[Unregistered]

Didn't DAP strip boy's away last year? How competitive were the Mass boys teams last year versus other States? Have any new kids been discovered now that there are two DAP clubs as well as the State team?

[Unregistered]

[QUOTE=Unregistered;179429]Actually, they let people know the pool list my the first week of September. The try-outs end by the last week of August. It really isn't that long of a wait.

Actually they said October they would contact players not first week of Sept, that is 6 plus week of studing 3 hours of scrimmage tryouts?

[Unregistered]

What age group did they say October for?

[Unregistered]

On Saturday morning for 93/94 ages they said by 2nd week Oct. Then made a joke about call me if you haven't heard by Thanksgiving.

[Unregistered]

Fall training is something new and must be a strategy to compete with the DAP on the boys' side. The DAP stripped most of the talent from ODP from U15/16 up

Never assume anything when it comes to the ODP world. My guess is that the reason that will be given for the fall training is because they have been requested by parents to provide the additional training to help prepare players and teams for the spring events. What it really comes down to are two things: First, the Mass Youth administration is firmly placing their feet ( and heads) in the sand when it comes to changes in the Youth Soccer world. Namely the move away from a state centric system to a club/team centric one. The DAP and girl's National Leagues have really lessened the role and importance of Mass Youth, and its ODP arm specifically. Rather than offer support to these changes, they are making a last effort to stem the tide. However, in large part ODP is really becoming just another playing alternative and the increased training is best marketed as a great addition for players from the smaller clubs. ODP is sort of becoming nothing more that a different club, with different rules and its own training schedule and primary spring events (Rider and ID Camp). But it is a club for which you are allowed to dual roster. Second, this will help bring in more $$. Remember that the ODP system must be self supporting and it has always required that the entry level players help subsisize the regional pools and events. That is becoming more difficult and I'm sure this will provide an additional revenue source.

[Unregistered]

Never assume anything when it comes to the ODP world. My guess is that the reason that will be given for the fall training is because they have been requested by parents to provide the additional training to help prepare players and teams for the spring events. What it really comes down to are two things: First, the Mass Youth administration is firmly placing their feet ( and heads) in the sand when it comes to changes in the Youth Soccer world. Namely the move away from a state centric system to a club/team centric one. The DAP and girl's National Leagues have really lessened the role and importance of Mass Youth, and its ODP arm specifically. Rather than offer support to these changes, they are making a last effort to stem the tide. However, in large part ODP is really becoming just another playing alternative and the increased training is best marketed as a great addition for players from the smaller clubs. ODP is sort of becoming nothing more that a different club, with different rules and its own training schedule and primary spring events (Rider and ID Camp). But it is a club for which you are allowed to dual roster. Second, this will help bring in more $$. Remember that the ODP system must be self supporting and it has always required that the entry level players help subsisize the regional pools and events. That is becoming more difficult and I'm sure this will provide an additional revenue source.


Bottom line is the best players are playing as they know this is the best way if you want to progress - Did you see all those girls yesterday despite the temps

[Unregistered]

Bottom line is the best players are playing as they know this is the best way if you want to progress - Did you see all those girls yesterday despite the temps

The real question is how many from the U16 Stars, Scorpions and MPS were there? Same for the U15 Scorps and Stars. These are the girls playing in the National Leagues (USYSA, ECNL and Super Y). U13 and U14 really means nothing. The question is: are the best players (as you describe them) staying involved once the exposure options expand @15? My guess is that the answer is no.

[Unregistered]

The real question is how many from the U16 Stars, Scorpions and MPS were there? Same for the U15 Scorps and Stars. These are the girls playing in the National Leagues (USYSA, ECNL and Super Y). U13 and U14 really means nothing. The question is: are the best players (as you describe them) staying involved once the exposure options expand @15? My guess is that the answer is no.

There are certainly other options besides ODP for recognition beyond ODP for top travel clubs. While its unfortunate that some of the top players aren't sticking with program, it opens up some oportunities for others (albeit diluted value).

[Unregistered]

The real question is how many from the U16 Stars, Scorpions and MPS were there? Same for the U15 Scorps and Stars. These are the girls playing in the National Leagues (USYSA, ECNL and Super Y). U13 and U14 really means nothing. The question is: are the best players (as you describe them) staying involved once the exposure options expand @15? My guess is that the answer is no.

My daughter heard no Stars players attended, other than a regional team player who spent the session chatting with the coaches and shagging balls. Have they really been forbidden from participating? If so, what does this do to the level of play of the State team?

[Unregistered]

The real question is how many from the U16 Stars, Scorpions and MPS were there? Same for the U15 Scorps and Stars. These are the girls playing in the National Leagues (USYSA, ECNL and Super Y). U13 and U14 really means nothing. The question is: are the best players (as you describe them) staying involved once the exposure options expand @15? My guess is that the answer is no.

You're absolutely correct. For 94 girls, I was told one--at best 2--from Stars United and Scorps Elite attended. The coaches from these teams frown upon it, and with good reasons.... As someone has already stated, ODP will serve as an alternative for players U15-and-up whose teams are locally exposed.

[Unregistered]

You're absolutely correct. For 94 girls, I was told one--at best 2--from Stars United and Scorps Elite attended. The coaches from these teams frown upon it, and with good reasons.... As someone has already stated, ODP will serve as an alternative for players U15-and-up whose teams are locally exposed.


The coaches from these teams frown on these girls having any kind of life outside of soccer with their club. That's it. No to ODP. No to other school sports. No to family reunions, No to conflicting SAT dates.... it's unnatural.

[Unregistered]

The coaches from these teams frown on these girls having any kind of life outside of soccer with their club. That's it. No to ODP. No to other school sports. No to family reunions, No to conflicting SAT dates.... it's unnatural.

The coaches from these teams frown upon it, and with good reasons....

Whoever posted the first post above obviously has had not experience to form their opinion.

The coaches from these teams know that the time and money that would be invested in ODP is not necessary for the majority of their players. The exposure that their players are looking for can be obtained through the club. The coaches also know that their players would be exposing themselves to additional risk of injury in the form of over training and playing. Keeping it all under the club umbrella allows coaches the ability to monitor their players. By cutting out the ODP commitment players actually have more time and money for things like family reunion.

[Unregistered]

My daughter heard no Stars players attended, other than a regional team player who spent the session chatting with the coaches and shagging balls. Have they really been forbidden from participating? If so, what does this do to the level of play of the State team?

I am sure someone will beg to differ but you will be exposed as naive. Often Stars players, including the two 93 Regional Players, do not bother to attend tryouts. It is a lock that they will be in the Pool. Last year about six 93s that made the ODP team did not attend a single tryout. Also, some of the 93 girls have been on the team for several years. Do you really think they need to try out? There is very little room for a player in this age group to make the team. It can happen but generally not from attending tryouts. However, newer players will make the pool as it is a revenue source for ODP. Stars players are rarely forbidden to do anything. They are simply given the pros and cons and are left to make their own decisions. They have more options than the majority of players.

[Unregistered]

Whoever posted the first post above obviously has had not experience to form their opinion.

The coaches from these teams know that the time and money that would be invested in ODP is not necessary for the majority of their players. The exposure that their players are looking for can be obtained through the club. The coaches also know that their players would be exposing themselves to additional risk of injury in the form of over training and playing. Keeping it all under the club umbrella allows coaches the ability to monitor their players. By cutting out the ODP commitment players actually have more time and money for things like family reunion.

How did I know that was going to be the response??!! :) Oo-lala I am happy to be a Stars family.

[Unregistered]

How did I know that was going to be the response??!! :) Oo-lala I am happy to be a Stars family.

If you knew it was going to be the response, then you should have posted it yourself.

[Guest44]

You're absolutely correct. For 94 girls, I was told one--at best 2--from Stars United and Scorps Elite attended

I am pretty sure there were 3 from the rising U15 Scorps Elite alone for 94 over the 2 days - 2 of the 3 made the regional pool this past summer (not sure how many 95s from that same team attended on Sunday). I did see 2 94 Stars players who play rising U14 Stars.

For 93 Girls, the one Stars player(who is actually playing up to be with 93's - she is a 95) did not participate as she was leaving for U16 National Camp the next day and the rumor was she was instructed by National Staff not to participate in tryouts.

[Unregistered]

There is only 1 93 Stars player on the Regional team. The one you mentioned is a 95 and listed as a 95.

[Unregistered]

never saw an answer to the original question, why do they wait 6 weeks after tryouts to announce pool players?

[Unregistered]

Often Stars players, including the two 93 Regional Players, do not bother to attend tryouts. It is a lock that they will be in the Pool.

given that ODP now knows that Stars players (and they know which ones) are prone to 'injuries' they likely wont make the pool if they show up.

[Unregistered]

given that ODP now knows that Stars players (and they know which ones) are prone to 'injuries' they likely wont make the pool if they show up.

Bitter? Still?

[Unregistered]

given that ODP now knows that Stars players (and they know which ones) are prone to 'injuries' they likely wont make the pool if they show up.

Those kids should / could make any pool by expressing interest. With that said speech to parents for 93/94 girls was definitely tuned to what happened last year with last minute conflicts. That is, leave opportunities for those who are going to take full advantage of them. Something my kid has to think about, but not for 6 weeks or so!

[Unregistered]

Bitter? Still?

No, just love to keep this out there so everyone knows

[Unregistered]

Those kids should / could make any pool by expressing interest. With that said speech to parents for 93/94 girls was definitely tuned to what happened last year with last minute conflicts. That is, leave opportunities for those who are going to take full advantage of them. Something my kid has to think about, but not for 6 weeks or so!

So we are now calling 'phantom injuries' a 'last minute conflict'??

:lol:

[Unregistered]

Does it make any sense for a 99 U11 girl to attend the tryouts for the 97 group or is she to young.

[Unregistered]

Does it make any sense for a 99 U11 girl to attend the tryouts for the 97 group or is she to young.

What are your expectations?

[Unregistered]

Just for her to experience the tryout - I just am not sure what to expect their and if she would be over her head. She is a strong player and proficient with her feet and speed. She heard about the tryout and asked me to take her. I know nothing about it except what I read here in this thread and on the website.

[Unregistered]

Just for her to experience the tryout - I just am not sure what to expect their and if she would be over her head. She is a strong player and proficient with her feet and speed. She heard about the tryout and asked me to take her. I know nothing about it except what I read here in this thread and on the website.

Is she playing up now?

[Unregistered]

With that said speech to parents for 93/94 girls was definitely tuned to what happened last year with last minute conflicts.

Some funny comments were heard after that speech about the 'conflicts'

[Unregistered]

Yes, she plays both U11 and U12

[Unregistered]

Yes, she plays both U11 and U12

I'm assuming U11 in Maple and U12 in town, so she's going to be up against some of the best players in Maple 2 years older. You might be surprised at the difference, but it won't hurt to go to the tryouts to see how she compares.

[Unregistered]

Just for her to experience the tryout - I just am not sure what to expect their and if she would be over her head. She is a strong player and proficient with her feet and speed. She heard about the tryout and asked me to take her. I know nothing about it except what I read here in this thread and on the website.

Having been through this, at this age its more about the experience. Meet the coaches, meet other players. Having fun is the key as they get older into the 15's its takes on a different light. And by that time interest might change and soccer is not what its all its cracked up to be. ODP is also outdated and IMHO on its way out. Remember, ODP is an identification process, first and foremost, with some training sprinkled in. But at this age, its good to see how she stacks up against others.

[Unregistered]

So we are now calling 'phantom injuries' a 'last minute conflict'??

:lol:

My kid was there and I honestly don't care why anyone else was or wasn't. What's the difference. They are just kids. My kid would prefer not to get subbed out at all. There is no unlimited substitutions, so if you do get subbed, you are out for 20 minutes. This program is something you pay for and what you get out of it is really up to your kid.

[Unregistered]

I would say let her try-out if she wants to. You never know, she could even make it. Just tell her not to get her hopes up too high, and just experience the level of play before anyone else in her age group. :]

[Unregistered]

The tryout experience has been a positive for our son and his friends, even though none have ever made an ODP team. A few years back they had a decent town team and thought their next stop was the world cup finals. The first tryout dispelled them of this notion. My son and a couple friends saw the level of play and began to work harder. A couple kids decided soccer wasn't that important. Younger kids that play with their group have caught the soccer bug and play constantly now as well. The entire level of play and commitment to the sport in our town has improved. The advice of coaches is now heeded.

The life lesson, and it wasn't especially easy the first time a rejection letter arrived, was in handling rejection and adversity. My child would not have developed his work ethic and confidence without this experience. It has been a negative that has been all positive.

If your daughter is begging you to take her, I say do so.

[Unregistered]

ODP didn't look like it was dying. There were a bunch of players, even girls from Stars and boys probably bound for DAP in a year or two. I'm guessing this weekend will be packed as well. The improved facilities and improvement in coaching across the State produces more quality players than years past, with the '95 girls particularly strong.

[Unregistered]

The tryout experience has been a positive for our son and his friends, even though none have ever made an ODP team. A few years back they had a decent town team and thought their next stop was the world cup finals. The first tryout dispelled them of this notion. My son and a couple friends saw the level of play and began to work harder. A couple kids decided soccer wasn't that important. Younger kids that play with their group have caught the soccer bug and play constantly now as well. The entire level of play and commitment to the sport in our town has improved. The advice of coaches is now heeded.

The life lesson, and it wasn't especially easy the first time a rejection letter arrived, was in handling rejection and adversity. My child would not have developed his work ethic and confidence without this experience. It has been a negative that has been all positive.

If your daughter is begging you to take her, I say do so.


My 97 daughter had a great time at the tryout. If she makes the pool great, if not there's always next year. It was good for her to see how she compared with other players. All in all a positiive experience (we'll see if she still feels it was great after the letters are sent )