The ODP Goalkeeper Academy is designed to develop skilled, confident, and knowledgeable goalkeepers by providing specialized, age-appropriate training that enhances their technical abilities, tactical awareness, and mental resilience. The program aims to create a positive and supportive learning environment, allowing participants to improve their shot-stopping techniques, positioning, distribution, and communication skills while fostering a passion for the game. Ultimately, the academy seeks to prepare young goalkeepers for success on the field and confidence to excel in their positions.

2026-2027 Season
The goalkeeper specific training sessions are open to all players registered for the 2026-2027 ODP Winter Training. The program consist of multiple training opportunities. There will be 6 goalkeeper only training dates, with each training being 1.25 hours long. Goalkeepers are also asked to attend the 6 training dates listed for their age group. If you have any questions, please email Rico at odp@illinoisyouthsoccer.org
Important Dates
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
Eligibility
Registration for Illinois ODP Goalkeeper training is open to all soccer players in Illinois born in 2010-2017. 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.
ODP & Club Participation
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.
ODP Process
- ODP Winter Training – open to all (“tryout” phase)
- ODP State Team Selection – selected after winter program
- ODP Midwest Summer ID – top players from Illinois invited
- ODP Midwest Regional Team – selected from the Summer ID
- ODP Interregional Event – competition for 4 regional teams
- ODP National Select Team – selected from the Interregional Event
Registration
Registration will open September 1 and the deadline will be November 1 or until age group is full. Registrations links will be published below.
Goalkeeper Registration
Goalkeeper Only Training Schedule – Boys
Winter Training Schedule – Boys
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, December 5 | 8pm-9:15pm | Schaumburg Sport Center |
| Saturday, December 12 | 8pm-9:15pm | Schaumburg Sport Center |
| Saturday, January 23 | 8pm-9:15pm | Schaumburg Sport Center |
| Saturday, January 30 | 8pm-9:15pm | Schaumburg Sport Center |
| Saturday, February 6 | 8pm-9:15pm | Schaumburg Sport Center |
| Saturday, February 20 | 8pm-9:15pm | Schaumburg Sport Center |
Goalkeeper Only Training Schedule – Girls
Winter Training Schedule – Girls
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, December 6 | 8am-9:15am | Schaumburg Sport Center |
| Sunday, December 13 | 8am-9:15am | Schaumburg Sport Center |
| Sunday, January 24 | 8am-9:15am | Schaumburg Sport Center |
| Sunday, January 31 | 8am-9:15am | Schaumburg Sport Center |
| Sunday, February 7 | 8am-9:15am | Schaumburg Sport Center |
| Sunday, February 21 | 8am-9:15am | Schaumburg Sport Center |
Locations
2010-2016 Girls & Boys Age Groups – Field Player Training
MercyHealth Sportscore Two
8800 E. Riverside Blvd
Loves Park, IL 61111
2017 Girls & Boys Age Groups – Field Player Training
Schaumburg Sport Center
1141 W. Irving Park Rd.
Schaumburg, IL 60193
2010-2017 Goalkeeper Only Training
Schaumburg Sport Center
1141 W. Irving Park Rd.
Schaumburg, IL 60193
Uniform
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.
Goalkeeper Uniform

Coaching Staff
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.
Forms
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.
Newsletter
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
| 11/18/26 | |||
Contact Us
| Position | Name | |
| ODP Director | Marek Radziszewski | marekr@illinoisyouthsoccer.org |
| ODP Administrator | Ivan Rico | odp@illinoisyouthsoccer.org |

