August 17, 2005

ODP Completes Another Record Setting Performance
Tryout Applications for the 2005-06 Season Now Available

"What a year for Utah," noted State Technical Director Greg Maas. This past year, Coach Maas and Olympic Development Program (ODP) Administrator Judy Martin teamed up with a dedicated, committed group of coaches, team managers, and volunteers for a very successful 2004-05 ODP season. Martin reports that ODP has again made budget, and efforts to increase funding of scholarships for our players this year proved successful. "One of this year's goals was to build on last year's foundation of increased scholarship funding and we were able to accomplish that goal," stated Martin. In addition, Martin provided special thanks and credit to ODP Girls Coordinator Lissa Baddley, ODP Boys Coordinator Linda Bullough, and ODP Travel Coordinator Robin Harlow for their commitment and expertise behind the scenes in providing first-class administrative support for our entire program.

Coach Maas reports ODP established an all-time record for Utah players being selected to US Youth Soccer's Region IV ODP Pools. "For the third year running, ODP has smashed the previous year's record," said Maas. ODP garnered 30 selections (15 boys and 15 girls) to this year's Region IV ODP Pools, eclipsing last year's record of 24. Maas quickly credits the hard work and dedication of the age group coaches, players, administrators, and importantly, the commitment to player development and support for ODP by the coaches and players around the State. "US Youth Soccer's ODP is a vital program for player identification for US Soccer, and as long as our coaches and players around the State continue to support ODP, we will continue to see players identified from Utah and we will be poised for further success," Maas said.

If you are a player and are interested in participating in ODP, Tryout Applications for the 2005-06 ODP Season are now available: 2005 ODP Tryout Application

Congratulations to the following players who were selected to US Youth Soccer's 2004-05 Region IV ODP Team Pools in their respective age groups: