Illinois Youth Soccer Association (IYSA) is excited to start its upcoming 2026‑2027 Olympic Development Program (ODP). Registration opens in September 2026, and on‑field training kicks off in December 2026. ODP will be open to both boys and girls born from 2010-2018 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. These sessions serve as the development and identification phase to select players for Illinois State Teams. If you have any questions, please email odp@illinoisyouthsoccer.org.
Illinois ODP Process
The Illinois ODP Winter Program provides age-appropriate opportunities for players to develop, compete, and be identified within a structured pathway based on birth year. The 2026–2027 state program is organized into three phases, with each phase designed to provide the appropriate level of training, competition, and player identification for its age group. To learn more about each phase, follow the tabs.
Phase 1 – 2018 Birth Year
Previously known as Pre-ODP, Phase 1 is designed to introduce younger players to the Illinois ODP environment in a development-focused setting. Players will participate in training sessions and intrastate game/festival opportunities designed to provide meaningful competition and additional development. There are no player selections for this phase.
Phase 2 – 2016-2017 Birth Years
Phase 2 marks the transition into the regular Illinois ODP identification and selection process. Players will participate in training sessions where they will be evaluated by ODP coaches, with opportunities for State Team selection and interstate competition/friendlies. Players will train and compete in a 9v9 format. Phase 2 players will not participate in the Midwest Regional ID Camp.
Phase 3 – 2010-2015 Birth Years
Phase 3 represents the established Illinois ODP experience for older players, focused on advanced development, player identification, State Team selection, and interstate competition. Players will participate in training sessions and opportunities to compete against other state ODP programs. Players will train and compete in an 11v11 format, providing preparation for higher-level ODP competition and the Midwest Regional ID Camp and Regional & National Select Team pathway.
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.
