ODP and OPL NW Champions League Conflicts

[Unregistered]

Inflexibility

A lot of kids don't turn out for ODP because of it's inflexibility regarding training and games. It has a pretty dramatic impact on families that have kids with other interests. It's overkill and turns what should be opportunity into a chore. We'll see how the next year goes.

[Unregistered]

But ODP players don't always train with the best. A lot of the best athletes don't show up for ODP because they can't afford it.

it may not be for everyone. but for those that find a way.

[Unregistered]

A lot of kids don't turn out for ODP because of it's inflexibility regarding training and games. It has a pretty dramatic impact on families that have kids with other interests. It's overkill and turns what should be opportunity into a chore. We'll see how the next year goes.

and how is it that the ID2 or Timbers programs will be any different ? there are only 52 weeks a year that are otherwise occupied by HS season, club season and summer-training tourneys.

[Unregistered]

A lot of kids don't turn out for ODP because of it's inflexibility regarding training and games. It has a pretty dramatic impact on families that have kids with other interests. It's overkill and turns what should be opportunity into a chore. We'll see how the next year goes.

However, it needs to be a real commitment. There is a fine line between flexibility and inflexibility. A number of years ago ODP was very flexible and the result was a ton of no-shows. That was reflected in the negative ODP results. That's not fair to those kids who show up religiously and expect their teammates to do the same. The "inflexibility" has resulted, in my opinion, in a much better program and better state results. With the advent of OPL/NWCL conflicts, ODP has recognized a need to allow a bit more flexibility regarding attendance and has done so. I really don't see OPD as being any different regarding time commitments than any other elite sports program - look at their friends who are gymnasts, AAU basketball players, swimmers, etc. At least many of those sports are individual events and if a kid doesn't show up or wants to show up when he/she feels like it, it costs only the individual. A kid who is not committed to ODP costs his/her team. What some view as "overkill," others (e.g., me) view as a necessity to have a quality program. (And no, I have no connection to ODP except as a parent.)

[Unregistered]

and how is it that the ID2 or Timbers programs will be any different ? there are only 52 weeks a year that are otherwise occupied by HS season, club season and summer-training tourneys.

Those in the Timbers Academy won't be playing for their club anymore. That will free up lots of time.

[Unregistered]

However, it needs to be a real commitment. There is a fine line between flexibility and inflexibility. A number of years ago ODP was very flexible and the result was a ton of no-shows. That was reflected in the negative ODP results. That's not fair to those kids who show up religiously and expect their teammates to do the same. The "inflexibility" has resulted, in my opinion, in a much better program and better state results. With the advent of OPL/NWCL conflicts, ODP has recognized a need to allow a bit more flexibility regarding attendance and has done so. I really don't see OPD as being any different regarding time commitments than any other elite sports program - look at their friends who are gymnasts, AAU basketball players, swimmers, etc. At least many of those sports are individual events and if a kid doesn't show up or wants to show up when he/she feels like it, it costs only the individual. A kid who is not committed to ODP costs his/her team. What some view as "overkill," others (e.g., me) view as a necessity to have a quality program. (And no, I have no connection to ODP except as a parent.)

I see no problem with the time commitment for ODP. The only thing I don't like is how there are so many talented kids out there who will never get the shot at ODP because their parents can't afford it. There has to be a way to lower the cost. I can guarantee if they can find a way to lower the cost that Oregon would have a much, much stronger ODP pool.

[Unregistered]

You are 100% correct!

[Unregistered]

I see no problem with the time commitment for ODP. The only thing I don't like is how there are so many talented kids out there who will never get the shot at ODP because their parents can't afford it. There has to be a way to lower the cost. I can guarantee if they can find a way to lower the cost that Oregon would have a much, much stronger ODP pool.

OYSA is working on that idea as I type. It wont happen over night and probably not for this season, but look forward to some news in the coming months.

[Unregistered]

Time Commitment

I see no problem with the time commitment for ODP. The only thing I don't like is how there are so many talented kids out there who will never get the shot at ODP because their parents can't afford it. There has to be a way to lower the cost. I can guarantee if they can find a way to lower the cost that Oregon would have a much, much stronger ODP pool.

If you see no problem with the time commitment then your interests are exceptionally focused. You also run the real risk of burning up/out the player. More importantly, hardly any, and I mean almost none, of these players are good enough to justify foreclosing all other activities for soccer. Remember, at the end of the day, soccer is supposed to be fun. It's not a job and never will be for all but a few players. For those that are good enough, you can pick them out without ODP and without regional camp. It's obvious.

[Unregistered]

If you see no problem with the time commitment then your interests are exceptionally focused. You also run the real risk of burning up/out the player. More importantly, hardly any, and I mean almost none, of these players are good enough to justify foreclosing all other activities for soccer. Remember, at the end of the day, soccer is supposed to be fun. It's not a job and never will be for all but a few players. For those that are good enough, you can pick them out without ODP and without regional camp. It's obvious.

You must keep that crystal ball really polished all the time. Your foresight is unbelievable, you must be a DOC or head coach from one the Great 8 that got canned. Cause you have all the wisdom of the whole universe.

I can tell you that my player has actually enjoyed her time in ODP and thinks that the level of play is far above that of their state club league.

I don't disagree that you can pick out the top players of any team at a match, but put them on the field with the other 24 top players in the state, they look like they don't belong there. Just the same as you thought they did by their play last weekend.

Keep up the good work. Someday you'll figure it ALL out.

[Unregistered]

Foresight

I don't understand your hostility or why you would assume you know so much better than a DOC or coach. I'm sure your daughter is a great player and the level of play at ODP makes her happy. That's good. Soccer is supposed to be fun. Playing in a more competitive environment helps player development. My point is that too much soccer can take the fun out of it and turn a promising player into a former player. The bottom line is the players and coaches know who the good players are and they're not all at ODP. ODP may make the player better but if the player isn't very good to start with it's not going to be a big difference maker. It's not that hard to tell who can play, particularly at the upper age groups when tactical awareness becomes more important. It's not a crystal ball, it's called experience.

[Unregistered]

OMG! It sounds like a parent is trying to be recruited, rather than the player themselves. Look at yourself in the mirror instead of the crystal ball. I am sure if any collegiate coach is reading this, they would be laughing and hoping they don't recruit a parent! ODP is ODP is ODP. It is a matter of perspective, and quite frankly, I don't think I will be seeing any Oregon player on the cover of Sports Illustrated, ODP or not. Man, get your priorities straight.