ODP – Field Players

August – ODP Winter Training Dates Posted

September 1 – Registration Opens

November 1 – Registration Deadline (or until full)

November 30 – Introductory ODP Webinar

December 5 & 6 – First weekend of ODP training starts

Registration for Illinois ODP is open to all soccer players in Illinois born in 2010-2018. ODP will continue to follow the birth year format. This is different the recently implemented seasonal year format. ODP provides a platform for players to develop their skills and compete at a high level. The training is designed to be inclusive and provide every player with the chance to showcase their abilities and potential.

The 2018 birth year participates in a development-focused program with no player selections, while 2010–2017 birth years participate in identification and interstate competition. State Team selection opportunities are available for birth years within the 2010–2017 group.

According to the U.S. Soccer Bylaws (updated May 2025), an Organization Member (such as a club or state association) cannot block or penalize a player’s participation in ODP based on their club affiliation.

Bylaw 603 | Interplay:

• Section 1: An Organization Member cannot require that all players of another Organization Member register with them just to allow some to participate. Only players who choose to participate must register, but they must follow the normal registration rules.

• Section 2: An Organization Member (other than a professional league) “shall not discriminate against the participation of players, teams, coaches or clubs on the basis of that player, coach, team, or club’s membership in, or affiliation with, another Organization Member.”

That means a club cannot tell a player they cannot do ODP if they are already playing with a club. Denying ODP participation on that basis would be considered discrimination under the bylaws.

U.S. Soccer’s bylaws protect players’ right to participate in both club and ODP. A club cannot impose restrictions preventing dual participation.

1. ODP Winter Training – open to all (“tryout” phase)
2. ODP State Team Selection – selected after winter program
3. ODP Midwest Summer ID – top players from Illinois invited
4. ODP Midwest Regional Team – selected from the Summer ID
5. ODP Interregional Event – competition for 4 regional teams
6. ODP National Select Team – selected from the Interregional Event

Registration will open September 1 and the deadline will be November 1 or until age group is full. Registrations links will be published below.

Field Player Registration

Winter Training Schedule
All training sessions listed on the Winter Training schedule are included in the registration.

Friendly Event Schedule
Friendly events are by invitation only and require an additional fee.

2010-2016 Girls & Boys Age Groups
MercyHealth Sportscore Two
8800 E. Riverside Blvd
Loves Park, IL 61111

2017-2018 Girls & Boys Age Groups
The Sport Center
1141 W. Irving Park Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60193

The ODP training uniform is required for all participants. We are entering a new uniform cycle this winter. ALL Players need to purchase a new uniform. Ordering instructions will be sent by September 15.

Field Player Uniform

Overview
Illinois Youth Soccer’s ODP coaching staff is comprised of the state’s most skilled and experienced coaches. Every Head Coach holds at least a US Soccer Federation National “C” License, with many also possessing “A” and “B” licenses or serving as Coach Educators for the U.S. Soccer Federation. Assistant coaches are required to have a minimum of a US Soccer Federation National “D” License. Additionally, our ODP staff includes talented local college coaches from all divisions, ensuring a comprehensive and highly qualified coaching team dedicated to player development.

Financial Assistance Application
Illinois Youth Soccer Association provides an application for financial assistance for those interested in participating in ODP. The application form can be found below. Please make sure to complete the form and provide the additional required documents to be considered. Deadline to submit is Sunday, October 26.

Training Absence Form
If you are going to miss a training session, please complete the absence form.

Starting in mid-November there will be a weekly newsletter sent out to all participants. These newsletters include important program updates. Newsletters will also be posted on this page for those who miss an email.

Newsletters