Illinois Olympic Development Program not only focuses on player development on the field but also emphasizes player development off of it. Our “Off the Pitch” development series includes a series of webinars and resources for players to grow off the field. We bring in experts in the fields of mental health, nutrition, individual player development and college preparation.
This season of ODP will include the following presenters and topics. Registration details will be emailed in the weekly ODP newsletter. Don’t miss out on these great informational sessions.
| Presenter | Topic | Date |
| Delanie Rybacki, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital | Knee Injury Prevention Program | January 16 |
| Dr. Brittany Patterson | The C.A.R.E. Concept | January 29 |
| U.S. Soccer High Performance Department | Sports Performance Nutrition | February 28 |
Previous presenters of the Off the Pitch series include the following:
- Eleanor Musgrove – Former IL ODP and current Air Force Academy soccer player
- Ghandi Cruz – Former IL ODP and current DePaul University soccer player
- Alexa Joshi – Former IL ODP and current University of Illinois soccer player
- Dr. L. Kevin Chapman, PH.D – Website
- Jennifer Gibson, MS. RD – Head of Performance Nutrition for Chicago Blackhawks
- Dr. Jennifer L. Hartstein, PsyD – Website
- Blythe Braun – Former IL ODP Player and current Florida Atlantic University soccer player
- Vincent Luglio – Former IL ODP Player and current Colorado College soccer player
- Cory Pitlik – Former IL ODP Player and current Drake University soccer player
- Chelsea FC Staff Coaches
- US National Staff Coaches
- Manchester United Academy Coaches
- Chicago Fire Staff Coaches
- Chicago Red Stars Staff Coaches and Players
- Everton FC Youth Academy Director, Tony “Tosh” Farrell
- Everton FC Youth Academy Development Officer, Robbie Anderson
- Derby County Academy Coaching Manager & Wigan Athletic First Team Coach, David Lowe
- Director of Hamburg Football Club Academy, Stephan Hildebrandt
- Hamburg SV Director of Youth Programs and Soccer Academy, Jens Todt
- Charlton Athletic Football Club Youth Academy Coach, Steve Avory
- US Women’s National Team Assistant Coach, Lauren Gregg
- England Women’s National Team Goalkeeper Coach, Keith Reece
- Royal Netherlands Soccer Federation Technical Coordinator, Nico Romeijn
- Royal Netherlands Soccer Federation National Team Coach, Ruud Dokter
- Royal Netherlands Soccer Federation Academy Coach Nico Labohm
- Royal Netherlands Soccer Federation Coach Arno Pijpers
- Fortuna Sittard Head Coach & Technical Manager, Pim Verbeek
- Liverpool Head Coach & Technical Director of the French National Soccer Federation, Gerard Houiller