U12 Girls

[spuunj]

they would be crazy to play in the ODP event versus a good quality tournament.

at U13/U14 the stars and scorpions players are in the same boat, all will miss ODP if games conflict.

Won't it be a bit risky to miss an ODP session? We were pretty much told by the program director at the first session that missing a training session is a no-no. This is my daughter's first year in the program, and I'm more apt to adhere to the director's suggestion, knowing that there are only six sessions in which to evaluate the kids, and that the one missed session might be the cause of my daughter making the team or getting cut. I suppose for the returning players, they can probably afford to miss the training session. But in my daughter's case, I don't know that I would risk it if there's a conflict.

if uve been following along, the top clubs expect that kids will miss ODP events if there is a conflict. the clubs avoid doing things over rider week and important odp events like that, but odp training is a different story.

they would be crazy to play in the ODP event versus a good quality tournament.

at U13/U14 the stars and scorpions players are in the same boat, all will miss ODP if games conflict.

Won't it be a bit risky to miss an ODP session? We were pretty much told by the program director at the first session that missing a training session is a no-no. This is my daughter's first year in the program, and I'm more apt to adhere to the director's suggestion, knowing that there are only six sessions in which to evaluate the kids, and that the one missed session might be the cause of my daughter making the team or getting cut. I suppose for the returning players, they can probably afford to miss the training session. But in my daughter's case, I don't know that I would risk it if there's a conflict.

If the coach already knows the skill level of these players, it won't be a problem

[onthree]

Spunj writes, "We were pretty much told by the program director at the first session that missing a training session is a no-no."
Hmm.
The speech I've heard for the past five years has given the message that if a player misses a session, it's not a no-no; it's simply a choice. In other words, a player won't be punished for missing a session; however, the player does forfeit an opportunity to be seen/evaluated. In other words, missing a session does not translate into an immediate cut from the program.

Spunj writes, "We were pretty much told by the program director at the first session that missing a training session is a no-no."
Hmm.
The speech I've heard for the past five years has given the message that if a player misses a session, it's not a no-no; it's simply a choice. In other words, a player won't be punished for missing a session; however, the player does forfeit an opportunity to be seen/evaluated. In other words, missing a session does not translate into an immediate cut from the program.

In fewer words: If you're good enough, the rules don't matter.

It's Onthree. I get what you're saying, but there are no rules regarding the # of attended ODP sessions. It's an ID program not a team, so the standard norm of team operations really don't apply the way they do in a team environment such as a club team. It's not that rules will bend for the special player; it's just that the special player has probably already been ID'd as one who will make the state team.

I agree with Onthree - participation is not required. For example the Mewis girls are no doubt missing state ODP training and no one is going to kick them off the team.

However, at U12 it is probably very important to attend as many session as you can. There are three reasons for this.

1 - With so many kids your child needs as many opportunities as possible to be identified plus when choosing between bubble players the coaches will choose those that seem more committed (wouldn't you?)

2 - This is before the talent consolidation that goes on at the older ages and players getting to play with and against players that are on average better than those on their club team will help development

3 - The coach is different and will have his/her own methods, strengths and weaknesses. This will help your child develop in areas their regular coach may not emphasize and will help your child become a bit more flexible in dealing with new and different methods.

This supposed to be an ID program, but when you listen to the introductory talks even at the older ages the expectation is that the players are there to play as hard as they can against each other to get better. That sure sounds like development to me.

ODP is an identification program, its not a club and you don't play for a team. Its a group of individuals. It is a choice so if you miss a practice its no big deal. To be fair, you would get more chance of being "id" at a large tournament than an ODP event especially at the younger age groups. Yes, if you are in the top 5 of your age group you can miss what ever you want because the state want you reguardless because they will claim the credit for the development. If you play for a lower end club(don't jump on this statement) the training and exposure is probably more than what you would get from your club, so it may be worth the expense and then you can network for a move to a higher end club. Its the way it works.

[spuunj]

Thanks everyone for your input on this subject. We're new to the ODP program/process, so we have a lot to learn. Onthree, you're absolutely right...the operative word from the Director was "choice." I should have given more thought to the sentence that referenced the "no-no" before making my comments public.

On the u13 thread it talks about players moving from Fuller to Stars, it also states that there has been movement within this age group also. Does anyone know if this is true? How will it impact Fuller? will the players make Stars stronger ? or will it upset the team chemistry?

On the u13 thread it talks about players moving from Fuller to Stars, it also states that there has been movement within this age group also. Does anyone know if this is true? How will it impact Fuller? will the players make Stars stronger ? or will it upset the team chemistry?

I believe that some players from stars (5 maybe) left. A few went to NE Eagles (again I think) and a few Fuller Players went to Stars. I don't think it will make the Stars any better technically, as fuller is not known to have technical players but physical players. As is the case with Western United, who have also picked up 2 new players.

i find it hard to believe that five stars left for eagles, especially since i find it hard to beleve that eagles had five open places on their roster

either that or there are some weird deals going on

i find it hard to believe that five stars left for eagles, especially since i find it hard to beleve that eagles had five open places on their roster

either that or there are some weird deals going on

All 5 did not go, I am not positive of how many went. I am not from the U12 group but have been around enough of them to hear a bit of talk. Can anyone out there verify any of this?

i find it hard to believe that five stars left for eagles, especially since i find it hard to beleve that eagles had five open places on their roster

either that or there are some weird deals going on

All 5 did not go, I am not positive of how many went. I am not from the U12 group but have been around enough of them to hear a bit of talk. Can anyone out there verify any of this?

You maybe getting mixed up with Inter, because they picked up 8 Stars players from both of the Stars teams. No players went to Tri Valley, the top Stars teams wasn't affected by the players leaving or where they told not to come back?

i find it hard to believe that five stars left for eagles, especially since i find it hard to beleve that eagles had five open places on their roster

either that or there are some weird deals going on

All 5 did not go, I am not positive of how many went. I am not from the U12 group but have been around enough of them to hear a bit of talk. Can anyone out there verify any of this?

You maybe getting mixed up with Inter, because they picked up 8 Stars players from both of the Stars teams. No players went to Tri Valley, the top Stars teams wasn't affected by the players leaving or where they told not to come back?

I believe you are right about it being Inter.

All this moving around should make for an interesting spring season. I do know that The Sats are playing a tournament in New Hampshire this weekend and I beleive that Western United as well as the Vikings are also playing in the tournament