ODP Coles of Dover
So there we were in Dover in 1998 with a 12 year old on our hands who loved the game of soccer. People told us she was good and had a future in the game. Having played club soccer she was ready for the "next level". As neophytes we wondered what the next level was. We heard of this ODP (Olympic Development Program), and found out there was a tryout. Off we go - our daughter runs out with what seemed like hundreds of other 12 year olds trying out for the u-13 team. We watched. She seemed to be doing OK, and was very excited. We go home and wait to be notified (2 weeks). We were - our daughter didn't make it. She was devastated and vowed never to play the game again. All of a sudden we see a life's lesson here. We counsel her that perhaps with some hard work, she may be able to make it next year (this is REAL simplification but you get the point.)

The next year after lots of hard work she makes the team. Then she makes the 15's, 16's, 17's and 18's. She plays against and with great players, travels all over the East coast and makes some great friends. That's enough isn't it? Well, it would be and we still think about those ODP days in Maine, and Vermont, and New York and New Jersey and many other places we visited. We think about them often while we are at games watching our daughter play Division II college soccer.

Here it is 2005 and we are now going through the program with our 15 year old son. ODP helps the kids grow as players and individuals. The coaching is the BEST, the competition is EXCELLENT and the life experiences are PRICELESS. ODP has been well worth the long road trips for us as parents and time spent on the soccer field for our children.

We encourage everyone to try out and experience the next level.

Ron and Patty Cole
(both past Vice Presidents of the Dover Soccer Club)
Dover NH

From a NH ODP Parent Regarding Their Son's ODP Coaches
I have been fortunate enough to be involved in athletics for more than 30 years, and during that time I have witnessed many coaches and coaching styles in practices, close games and one-sided affairs. Suffice it to say (that my son's ODP coaches) possess admirable coaching attributes in terms of their game knowledge and communicating that knowledge in an appropriate manner to their team. They both are fantastic representatives of what is good in youth sports in general and NHODP specifically.

From a NH ODP Parent of a "career" NH ODP player
I just wanted to let you know that our son made (his college) soccer team. I also wanted to thank you. You were at his first ODP camp when he made the team on the very last day you would try any one out. You saw the talent in him, which he did not even see in himself. He was always playing in the shadow of "better" players, some of which are no longer playing the game. Your faith in our son turned into him being selected to 5 straight ODP teams. He was even chosen to the Region I Pool tryouts! Over the five years that our son did play, he received excellent coaching from NH ODP, which has developed him into the player he is today. NH ODP was the best thing to happen to his soccer career and I thought you should know. Again, I want to thank you.

From a NH ODP Girls player who made the Region 1 Team
I have had many positive experiences from participating in the NH ODP program. In the state I have met players that I would have never had the chance to meet before. I have developed friendships with many of them. At almost every high school game this year I saw someone I had met through the ODP program. By being a member of the Regional Team I have met players from all over the country. I have also benefited from being coached by many individuals at different levels of play. They have all helped me get a better understanding of the game of soccer, which has made me a better players. Because of my involvement with the NH ODP I have played soccer in several states as well as Europe. I have really enjoyed every year of ODP. Is there any way I would change my ODP experience? I wish more players would participate in the program - there are strong players all over the state who are missing a great opportunity by not getting involved.

From a NH ODP Boys player who made the Region 1 Pool
NH ODP and the Region 1 Pool Camp was the best soccer experience I have had - I got to play with and against the best soccer players I've ever played with under some of the best coaches. It allowed me to gauge where I was compared to the best players on the east coast, and it opened a lot of new doors to other teams and colleges which I otherwise would not have expected. I have benefited most from the ODP program by the exposure it has afforded me, which is probably the best advantage. If you want to play college soccer, playing ODP is almost a necessity. In New Hampshire it is one of the only ways to find good games.

From a NH ODP Girls player who made the Region 1 Team
Participating in ODP has afforded me the most competitive level of play with some of the game's best players, and as a result I have had the opportunity to work and train with some of the best coaches available. I would not change my ODP experience in any way, but I wish that all of the best NH players would come out for NH ODP and help make the program even stronger - they're missing out!

Excerpts from a letter of NH ODP Parents of a U15 boy
We are writing for a few reasons, as "soccer parents" of a New Hampshire ODP player. Our son had a very positive experience, especially at the Region 1 Camp. He actually made Field Number 1 for a day and some of the coaches took a lot of time with him to explain his strengths and weaknesses. They told him that his ball handling skills were in the top ten of the group and that he needed to work harder at "checking to the ball." His dream last year had been to make the Regional Pool, but understood full well that he wasn't there yet. This past year we noticed a remarkable improvement in (his) skills and attitude. He made the team again and actually missed only ONE practice or session the entire year (the reason he missed was because of his TOC game). He worked so diligently all season and all year, but felt frustrated - partly because he wasn't given the opportunity to play in his strongest area. But that was okay, as he learned new positions and new strategies. At all the scrimmages he came off the bench but didn't let it discourage him. Finally, at the first game at the Rider Region 1 Tournament, he seemed to break through and really "showed his stuff." This finally earned him a starting position and the next two games he started at center-mid! He had two assists and played the smartest, best soccer we've ever seen him play. His passion was really coming through! The Rider weekend and tournament this year were a very positive and uplifting experience and he eagerly looked forward to the training camp. His goal again was to make the Regional Pool. All year he has been working with a physical trainer and followed a running regime to build his strength and stamina. At last years Regional Camp, (we) sat in on a session with one of the National Coaches. He stressed the extreme importance of dedication, diligence and hard work. The New Hampshire program is good, as (players) are encouraged to succeed and are given every opportunity to be the best and compete with the best.

From NH ODP Parents of a U13 boy
We are writing to let you know of the excellent experience my son had on the NH U13 Boys ODP team this year. I would also like to let you know that (the coaching and instruction) has far exceeded any of our expectations as a coach and has, in my opinion, done the best thing that any coach can do - he has made (our son) a better player. Please extend our thanks and congratulations for a fine season. The region one camp was the culmination of a great experience for (our son) and I want to pass along one comment that he made on the ride home: "I was able to do things I didn't even know I could do". That says it all for me. When the coaching staff can improve not only a players skill, but their confidence in themselves, so that they are able to attempt anything on the field and are willing to give that 110% necessary to compete, then the program was successful. Keep up the good work. The only down side for my son is that he is disappointed that ODP doesn't run through the summer and that he has to wait until the fall to try out again. Best regards and thanks....

Excerpts from a NH ODP "veteran" Coach report
Region 1 Camp was a success.... The NH players worked hard, and all feel like they've learned a lot. I still say there isn't a commercial camp available that has the quality of players, nor the ratio of senior staff to each group (1 Regional Coach and 1 State Coach each with a 15-20 player group).... At least for the 13s & 14s, the experience can't be beat! Regards -

From a NH ODP Parent Administrator regarding NH ODP Training directives
Just a note congratulating you on your recent "focusing the training" article (distributed to the NH ODP Coaching Staff). Over the years I have had an opportunity to observe players/teams from other regions and countries and marvelled at their actions both technical and tactical. Your letter is both succinct and needed. Your breakdown, if implemented by all, will go a long way towards NH becoming even more respected nationwide, and allowing our players to compete for positions at colleges. Not that our club and ODP programs are not turning out some excellent players currently, but with the coaches using your suggestions, we can bring our state players to the next level. Thanks....