Below you will find all tryout information including Registration, Schedules, Selection Criteria and FAQ’s.

Tryouts for the New Jersey Olympic Development Program (NJ ODP) are conducted every summer with the goal of selecting the best young soccer players in the state. During the tryouts, players are evaluated by qualified coaches who are looking for players with strong technical skills, tactical awareness, athletic ability, physical power, and a positive attitude. These qualities are important for success in soccer, and coaches use the tryout process to identify players who have the potential to thrive in the NJ ODP and represent the state in tournaments against other state teams in the region. The tryout process is competitive, and players who are selected for the NJ ODP are expected to be committed to the program and to the development of their skills. Those who are not selected are encouraged to continue working on their skills and to try out again in the future.  

NJ ODP Commitment  

It is important for players who are considering a position with the New Jersey Olympic Development Program (NJ ODP) to carefully review the schedule and consider their availability before committing to the program. Players who accept a position with the NJ ODP are expected to be fully committed to the program and to be available to attend all scheduled events and training sessions. We ask that all interested players carefully review the schedule and consider their availability before committing to NJODP.  

Registration

All registration has been completed at this time.

General Tryout Info:

What time should I arrive at tryouts? Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the start time. 

How do I check in? On your first day of tryouts, you need to visit the registration table to receive your tryout number. 

Will I use the same tryout number for all tryouts? Yes, you will receive a shirt with your tryout number that needs to be worn to each tryout session your child attends. We ask players to retain this shirt for all tryouts and if selected for the Final Team, for the season. 

Where should I go after registering? Once you have registered, you need to leave your bag in the designated area and proceed to designated warm up area.  

Should I bring a ball? Yes, you must bring a properly inflated ball that is appropriate for your age group. 

Should I wear a specific shirt? Your child will be provided a tryout shirt at the first session they attend. This shirt needs to be worn at each session they attend.

Will water be provided? No, water will not be provided, so please come hydrated and bring plenty of water for hydration breaks. 
When do Goalkeepers Tryout? Goalkeepers tryout at the same time as their age group with our Goalkeeper Coaches.

Stage 1 Tryouts: 

Do I need to attend all four tryouts in Stage 1? Players are encouraged to attend all four tryouts in Stage 1, which increases their chances of being selected. 

Do I need to inform NJYS if I cannot attend a tryout day? No, you do not need to email us if you cannot attend. 

Do I need to check in every time I arrive at a tryout? No, you do not need to check in every time. You should come to the field wearing your tryout shirt.

When will I know if I made it to Stage 2 tryouts? Players will be notified by mid August via email if they are invited to Stage 2. 

Stage 2 Tryouts: 

When are Stage 2 Tryouts? Stage 2 Tryouts will be held on August 17th and 18th. Schedules can be found below under Stage 2 ODP Tryout Schedules.

Do I need to be invited to Stage 2? Yes, all players attending Stage 2 have been selected through Stage 1.   

Selection for ODP: 

When will I be notified? Players will be notified by email after Stage 2 tryouts if they have made their age group pool around mid September. 

Where can I find the ODP Schedule for 2024/2025? Schedules will be posted on our website in the upcoming months.

Where are ODP training sessions held? ODP training sessions will be in Central Jersey. 

Is it important that I attend all ODP events? We ask selected players to be fully committed to our program. 

Parent Information: 

Will there be a parent viewing area? Yes, there will be a parent viewing area, and we ask that parents remain in this area and refrain from communicating with players during the tryouts. 

Do parents need to be present at check-in? Parents can be present at check-in, but it is not necessary. 

Can parents/guardians drop off their kids and leave? We ask that parents remain on-site or nearby.