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Senior Academy FAQ

  1. What is the purpose of Montana ODP?
    • The Montana Olympic Development Program (ODP) is a state program offered by Montana Youth Soccer. Montana ODP falls under the ODP umbrella of US Youth Soccer at the national program level. The purpose of Montana ODP is to identify the highest caliber players in the state. After tryouts, Montana ODP  further develops these players through monthly supplemental training outside their club activities and provides them opportunities to be seen at events by US Youth Soccer and college scouts.
  2. Will the Senior Academy participate in US Youth Soccer events?
    • US Youth Soccer ODP limits eligibility to 12U-17U players each season. Through continued development and hard work, Montana ODP players of these ages can advance from the state level to the regional level to the national level of US Youth Soccer ODP. 18U and 19U players are not eligible to compete in traditional US Youth Soccer ODP events. However, as part of the Montana ODP Senior Academy which consists of players 16U-19U, they will train for and attend college showcases throughout the West.
  3. Who can attend the Montana ODP Senior Academy Tryout Event?
    • All age appropriate players for that season can attend the Tryout Event. Eligible birth years for the 2022/23 season are 2004-2007. However, certain 2008 birth year sophomores may be permitted to participate as well.
  4. What forms do I need to fill out to participate in the Tryout Event?
    • Online Registration Form (Completed through GotSport)
    • Medical Release Form (Completed through GotSport)
    • Concussion Form (Completed through GotSport)
  5. How much is registration and what does it cover?
    • The non-refundable Montana ODP Tryout Registration Fee is $125. This fee will be due at the time online registration through GotSport is completed. Once the Tryout Event is complete, players will be selected to participate on the final Senior Academy player pool for each group. Not all players that tryout are guaranteed a spot.
    • Players offered a position Senior Academy player pool will be responsible for an additional $150 Training Fee should they accept their invitation. This fee will be non-refundable.
    • These registration fees cover rental of facilities, coach's fees and administrative costs for training throughout the season.
    • Additional event fees and travel costs will be incurred for players during the season based on the age group's final event schedule.
  6. What are the benefits of participating in the Senior Academy?
    • Player development
    • Access to the US Youth Soccer ODP Pathway (limited to 2006-2007 players)
    • The opportunity to train and play with the best players in one's age group
    • The ability to attend some of the top soccer tournaments in the western United States and gain increased exposure to college coaches and the recruitment process
    • Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches
    • The opportunity to represent one's state, region and country in competition
    • Experience new things and meet new people
  7. How many players will be named to Montana ODP Player Pools?
    • This may vary by age and gender group.  
  8. How long is the Montana ODP Senior Academy season?
    • The Senior Academy season begins in July and ends in June. Training dates will begin after the high school season in November. Travel to events will begin as early as December and go through as late as March. *US Youth Soccer Regional and National ODP events go through July.
  9. Once a player is selected to Senior Academy Player Pool, when will they train?
    • Montana ODP's goal is for player pools to train one weekend per month, with two sessions on Saturday and one on Sunday. This may be impacted by weather, availability and other scheduled Montana ODP events.
    • Montana ODP will not run Senior Academy training sessions during the high school season (mid-August - October) and spring club season (April - June).
  10. What other costs will there be for events and camps?
    • Event costs will be dependent on event registration fees, travel costs, etc. Final event fees will cover everything for the player with the exception of their food and airline tickets (if necessary).
  11. How do I determine what event I should attend when there is a soccer conflict between my club and Montana ODP?
ODP
Questions? Contact MYSA Technical Director Ric Plante and/or ODP Admin Katja Andrew.
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