Thank you to those that attended the ODP presentation this past weekend. If you were unable to attend the meeting you can view the slide deck that was presented.

If you have any questions specific to the content of the presentation, please email the ODP Director, Marek Radziszewski at marekr@illinoisyouthsoccer.org

As we get closer to the first friendly event roster selection, we want to take a moment to address some common misunderstandings about selections. ODP friendly events are designed to bring together select players to compete against other ODP states. While these events offer an exciting platform for players to showcase their abilities, it’s important to remember that they represent just one step in the pathway toward identification for the Illinois State Team.

Important Notes:



1. Friendly events are not the final selection: Being chosen for a friendly event does not mean a player will automatically be selected for the State Team or guarantee a regional camp invitation. The final roster decisions are announced in April.
2. More opportunities ahead: Players will continue to have chances to display their talent and earn invitations to future events.
3. Selections can change: Friendly event rosters are fluid, and additional players may be added if there are declines. Remember, “no” right now does not mean “no” forever.
4. Space is limited: Due to facility size and scheduling limitations, not every player can be invited to every friendly event. Coaches must make difficult decisions, and some players may receive invitations to alternative events or training opportunities instead.

We hope this helps provide clarity around the selection process. Whether or not you’re selected for a friendly event, we encourage all players to stay focused and committed. The path to becoming a State Team player is long-term.

The first ODP Friendly event will be taking place on December 20 for boys 2009-2015 and December 21 for girls 2009-2015.

Rosters will be published the evening of December 2. Everyone will be notified once the rosters are published. Individuals selected for this event will receive an additional email after rosters have been posted.

Event Details

Date:December 20 - Boys, December 21 - Girls

Location: Westfield, IN

Age Groups: 2009-2015

Fee: $100

If you need to order any individual items please do so before December 10. To order individual items, CLICK HERE

If you encountered any issues with your uniform, please email websupport@scoresports.com and copy odp@illinoisyouthsoccer.org

If you know that you will be missing an ODP training session, please complete the ODP Absence Form. The link to the form is below and can also be found on the bottom of this email.

You can also find a link to the form on the ODP homepage.

We don't penalize players for missing a session. If you have a conflict between ODP and club event, we encourage you to discuss the conflict with your coach before making any decisions.

Think, Play, Win: Sports Psych Tips for IL ODP Players

WEEK 2 – Improving Your Game Understanding & Decision-Making

IL ODP players — welcome to Week 2 of Think, Play, Win, your weekly boost of practical sports psychology tips designed to help players sharpen their mental game on AND off the field of play.

Powered by pep360 (Whole Player. Whole Person. Whole Potential.), this series gives players simple, actionable tools they can start using immediately to train an important part of performance: the brain!

This week we are focusing on one of U.S. Soccer’s “6 Key Qualities” — the criteria scouts use when identifying top players. The spotlight is on Game Understanding & Decision-Making: your ability to read the game, anticipate what will happen next, and make quick, effective choices under pressure. 

This outlines skills like:

●      Scanning to see teammates, opponents, space, and danger

●      Predicting what might happen next, often known in the game as anticipation

●      Choosing the best option quickly

●      Adjusting body shape and movement

●      Understanding your role in different systems

●      Using creativity to solve problems on the field of play

What Does This Mean for a Youth Player Looking to Take Their Game to the Next Level?

If you want to reach the highest level — club, ODP, or Youth National Team — it’s not enough to be fast, strong, or skillful with the ball. Coaches are looking for players who can think about the game. This means:

●      You constantly observe what is happening around you

●      You recognize space before you receive the ball

●      You make quick decisions that help the team

●      You can play in different roles or systems

●      You adapt to pressure instead of freezing

The best young players are problem-solvers, not just technicians.

Some Practical Tips you can start TODAY:

Do these every day, and you’ll start making decisions like an elite player.

Want More?

If you’re interested in pep360’s individual, small-group, or team mental-skills support, click the link below to complete an Interest Form. Let’s Think. Let’s Play. Let’s Win — together.

 Learn More about Train Your Brain: https://linktr.ee/pep360

#ThinkPlayWin  #TrainYourBrian #MasterYourMentality #ILODP