LRFC ODP ELITE
The Pathway to the USYNT
WHAT IS ODP
The ODP Program is US Youth Soccer's Premier program for National Team Identification.
Players can be selected to the State Pool during the Fall and Winter training cycles.
Those players then have the potential to be selected to the Regional and National Pools, and can potentially be selected for the Youth National Team!
The Youth National team players that are selected have opportunities to play internationally against other countries!
We are proud to offer this opportunity to our club, and look forward to sending select NCYSA Classic Players this coming year to train with ODP
LRFC ODP ELITE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
LRFC will be offering scholarship to our top talent from our NCYSA Classic "Travel" teams during the 2026-2027 seasons. Only a select few players from the various age divisions in our travel/NCYSA Classic program, that show exceptional drive, skill, and leadership on the field will be selected to attend ODP evaluations during the Fall and Winter cycles.
Those players will have the opportunity to train with the highest level talent across the state of North Carolina, and potentially be selected to Sub-Regional and Regional events.
Players in this program will be coached, and evaluated by USYS Staff, and if they continue to show their talents on the field they could eventually be selected to the Regional ID Camps as well as Talent ID camps, and ultimately the US Youth National Team!
We are proud to offer this to all of our travel soccer players, but only the very best will be selected and sponsored by the club.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
BENEFITS OF ODP TRAINING AND EXPOSURE
Development as a player. The opportunity to train with the BEST in one's own age group across the state of NC. Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches.
Quality competition. Opportunities for games against other state association ODP teams. Exposure to regional and national team coaches.
The opportunity to represent one's state, region or country in competition. Exposure to college coaches.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE
ODP in 2026-2027 will serve the following age divisions
- U17
- U16
- U15
- U14
- U13
- U12
For an accurate age classification, see our Age Matrix
WHY ODP MATTERS?
- State Level Recognition
- Training with top players in NC
- Collegiate level training and coaching
- Regional opportunities
- Advanced development
- Exposure beyond local leagues
WHO CAN BE SELECTED
- Travel and Classic players in good standing with LRFC may be considered based on performance, commitment, and long-term potential.
THE ODP EXPERIENCE
ARE YOU READY?
US Youth Soccer provides one of the best Interregional and National experiences for youth soccer in our county! Are you ready for the experience? Are you ready for the challenge?
INTERNATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Players that are selected to the National Select Teams participate in International Tournaments and friendlies.
The LRFC ODP Elite Program puts players on their first steps towards participating in their sub-region, regions, and at the national level if their talent puts them there.
HOW PLAYERS ARE SELECTED FOR SPONSORSHIP
- Match performance
- Training habits
- Coach evaluations
- Character and coachability
- Commitment to development
WHEN CLUB EVALUATIONS BEGIN
- Identification occurs during the players NCYSA Classic Season
- Player will be notified before ODP Evaluations
- Events with ODP typically begin in Winter and run into the Summer
HOW IT FITS OUR PLAYER PATHWAY
- Recreation
- Classic
- ODP
- Regional
- College Opportunities
- International Opportunities
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Does sponsorship guarantee selection?
Sponsorship by LRFC for the player to attend evaluations, and or the sub-regional events does not guarantee selection to the Regional ID Camps, Talent ID Centers, or the Youth National Teams. Selection to those teams are strictly determined by USYS Coaching Staff, and their selections are all merit and talent based. Those decisions are outside the control of LRFC.
Is ODP required by the club?
ODP is a program that isn't required by LRFC, but it is an additional pathway to help gain exposure for players, and to give them the opportunity train among the best talent in the state, potentially leading to higher level team selection.
What if a player declines?
If.a player declines their sponsorship, then that sponsorship returns to the club. Players again could earn opportunities in the future to be sponsorsed by the club and sent to evaluations, so declining one opportunity will not forfeit future opportunities for that same player.
Does my child have to play travel soccer with LRFC to be sponsored for ODP Evaluations?
Yes, your player will have to be on one of our U11-U16 teams to be sponsored for the following years' ODP teams. The previous years performance is what determines the next years sponsorship.
When are players selected for ODP sponsorship?
The players that we will sponsor for the 2026-2027 season will be determined at the end of the 2025-2026 season in May, after a full playing year and when coaches have the chance to properly evaluate and vote on players.
Where are the evaluations held at?
ODP evaluations are held at multiple locations throughout the state, but they are usually held at their primary sites of: Zoo City Sportsplex (Asheboro), Bryan Multi-Sports Complex (Goldsboro), Mecklenburg Sportsplex (Matthews), or Jennings Park (Statesville).
How Many Players does LRFC Sponsor for ODP?
LRFC is only going to select the top talent that has potential to attend the ODP event, and regional identification centers. We would anticipate that out of each team, we would only send the top 1-2 players on each team depending on their skill level, and current level of play. This is a highly select program, and players must be able to perform at the highest level to earn that opportunity.
