Should Olympic Development Programs (ODP and PDP) be free?

[Unregistered]

I wonder how many talented players are priced out of these levels of soccer simply due to cost.

Are there any paths in the US for children who can't afford fees to play higher than school/rec level soccer?

[Unregistered]

I wonder how many talented players are priced out of these levels of soccer simply due to cost.

Are there any paths in the US for children who can't afford fees to play higher than school/rec level soccer?

Yes. That way we won't have to listen about how the lower socio-economic group can't afford this and can't afford that...

[Unregistered]

Yes. That way we won't have to listen about how the lower socio-economic group can't afford this and can't afford that...

I don't disagree but how would it be funded?

[Unregistered]

ODP is a shadow of its former self.

[Unregistered]

Yet another way we dilute the game. ODP should be scrapped.

[Unregistered]

I don't disagree but how would it be funded?

From governing bodies (US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer), or US Soccer, or national sponsorship (Target?) or local/regional sponsorship.

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From governing bodies (US Youth Soccer and US Club Soccer), or US Soccer, or national sponsorship (Target?) or local/regional sponsorship.

No.

One.

Cares.

About.

O.

D.

P.

[Unregistered]

And pdp is free.

[Unregistered]

Between Id2 PDP, ECNL and DA most players will be discovered outside ODP. The training and coaching isn't what it once was, nor is the quality of many players. Doing it for free might be the only way to save ODP, if it's even worth saving. But who would pay for it? They are run through state soccer associations, many of which are also struggling.

[Unregistered]

And pdp is free.

Yes but being in the league, teams and programs from where players are invited is usually pricey. Not many players there from inexpensive programs.

[Unregistered]

Yes. That way we won't have to listen about how the lower socio-economic group can't afford this and can't afford that...

All these Id programs would.be more meaningful and productive if they were low cost.

[Unregistered]

No.

One.

Cares.
....

P.

Blah, blah, blah. This whole “ODP is 2nd tier" is getting old. While i agree there has been dilution across the board, ODP is still an Open system, and that has value. OP asks a good point. Given that the other options are closed environments, ODP would be well served to move to very that or.near free model. How to fund that is still the question, but far sillier things found sponsors

[Unregistered]

Blah, blah, blah. This whole “ODP is 2nd tier" is getting old. While i agree there has been dilution across the board, ODP is still an Open system, and that has value. OP asks a good point. Given that the other options are closed environments, ODP would be well served to move to very that or.near free model. How to fund that is still the question, but far sillier things found sponsors

2nd tier? You're being WAY too kind.

[Unregistered]

And pdp is free.

PDP is run through NEP, right? Are there any details online about the program, what it offers and its (lack of fees)? Do they play games? Is there a published schedule?

[Unregistered]

For the naysayers:

"US Club Soccer sanctions PDPs that are hosted by major member organizations. All their PDPs are also approved as Olympic Development Program events."

Olympic Development Programs are not limited to US Youth Soccer "ODP"

Are there any other 'select' or 'development' pathways available to players, especially at low or no-cost?