Illinois Youth Soccer Association (IYSA) is excited to start its upcoming 2025‑2026 Olympic Development Program (ODP). Registration opens in September 2025, and on‑field training kicks off in November 2025. ODP will be open to both boys and girls born from 2008-2015. The Illinois ODP serves as the State‑level program to the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program and U.S. Soccer Federation. It begins with open winter training sessions—operating as the tryout phase—to select players for Illinois State Teams. For the 2016-2017 age groups we offer Pre-ODP, which serves as an introduction to the broader Illinois ODP, without the pressure of selections. If you have any questions, please email odp@illinoisyouthsoccer.org.
ODP Benefits
- Open winter-training sessions where players are tested in different skills and mental strength
- Selection to the Illinois State Team, with a path to Midwest Regional and National ODP levels
- Training and competition alongside elite players to help improve skills.
- College exposure through showcases
- Experienced coaching staff, including US Soccer licensed coaches, college coaches, US Soccer coach educators and club directors
- Participation in interstate friendlies and regional or national tournaments
- International travel opportunities including friendly matches, stadium tours, cultural experiences in destinations like England or Spain
ODP & Club Participation
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.
