Welcome to the New Jersey Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) Tryouts! Below, you will find essential information and guidelines to ensure a smooth and successful tryout experience. Please read carefully and follow the instructions provided:

Player Tryout Guideline
Arrival

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled session to allow time for check-in and warm-up.
• Wear appropriate soccer attire, including shin guards and cleats.
• Bring an inflated soccer ball, water, and any additional equipment needed for warm-up. (Note: NJYS is not responsible for lost balls.)

Check-In

• Proceed to the registration table to check in with the ODP administrative staff.
• You will receive a t-shirt with an assigned number for identification during tryouts.
• Keep your t-shirt and bring it to all tryout sessions. (T-shirts will not be replaced if lost or forgotten.)

Warm-Up Area

• Follow directions to the designated warm-up area and secure your belongings in the assigned area.
• Properly warm up before the session begins to prepare for optimal performance.

Tryout Curriculum

The tryouts will feature a variety of activities designed to assess your soccer abilities, including:

• 1v1 and 2v2 drills to showcase technical skills and decision-making.
• Small-sided 7 v 7, 9 v 9 games to evaluate your understanding of positioning, awareness, and teamwork.
• Coaches will look for standout performances in technical abilities, decision-making, positioning, and game awareness.

Evaluation Rating System

Players will be assessed using a 5-to-1 rating scale: 

• 5 = Excellent
• 4 = Very Good
• 3 = Good
• 2 = Above Average
• 1 = Average

Evaluations will focus on: 

• Technical Efficiency: Skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball control.
• Tactical Intelligence: Game understanding, decision-making, positioning, and awareness.

Conclusion of Tryout

• After the session, promptly gather your belongings and exit the premises.
• Timely departure ensures a smooth transition for the next group and eases parking availability.

Parent Tryout Guidelines

These Guidelines provide essential information to ensure a smooth and productive tryout experience for both you and your child. Please read and follow the instructions below:

Arrival:

• Arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time of the tryout session.

• Allow enough time for parking.

Registration:

• Accompany your child to the registration table for check-in.

• Ensure that your child is properly dressed in appropriate soccer attire, including shin

  guards, cleats, and an inflated ball.

Maintaining Distance:

• Respect the boundaries set by the ODP staff and maintain a safe distance from the

  tryout areas.

• Avoid entering the designated playing areas or interfering with the coaching staff's

  instructions or evaluation process.

• Refrain from providing any coaching instructions or guidance to any player, including

  your own child, during the tryout session.

• Do not approach any coach during the tryouts unless it’s a medical emergency.

 Prompt Departure:

• Once the tryout session is over, promptly gather your belongings and exit the premises.

• Leave the parking area promptly to allow the next age group to arrive smoothly.

  
  

Thank you for your cooperation, and we wish your child the best of luck in the tryouts.

General Tryout Information

What time should I arrive at tryouts?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before the start time to allow for check-in and warm-up.

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

Will I use the same tryout number for all sessions?
Yes, the tryout shirt you receive includes your number and must be worn at every tryout session. If selected for the final team, you will continue using the same shirt during the season.

Where should I go after registering?
After check-in, leave your bag in the designated area and proceed to the assigned warm-up area.

Should I bring a soccer ball?
Yes, bring a properly inflated ball appropriate for your age group.

Should I wear a specific shirt?
Yes, wear the tryout shirt provided at your first session to all subsequent tryouts.

Will water be provided?
No, water will not be provided. Please arrive hydrated and bring enough water for your hydration breaks.

When do goalkeepers try out?
Goalkeepers will try out with their age group alongside specialized goalkeeper coaches.

Stage 1 Tryouts

Do I need to attend all four tryouts in Stage 1?
It is highly recommended to attend all four tryouts to maximize your chances of being selected.

Do I need to inform NJYS if I cannot attend a tryout?
No, it is not necessary to notify NJYS if you miss a tryout.

Do I need to check in at every tryout?
No, once you have your tryout shirt, simply wear it to the field; additional check-ins are not required.

When will I know if I made it to Stage 2?
Notifications will be sent via email by mid-August for players invited to Stage 2 tryouts.

Stage 2 Tryouts

When are Stage 2 tryouts?
Stage 2 tryouts will be held on August 17th and 18th. The schedule will be available under the "Stage 2 ODP Tryout Schedules" section.

Do I need to be invited to Stage 2?
Yes, only players who are selected during Stage 1 will be invited to participate in Stage 2.

Selection for ODP

When will I be notified if I made the ODP team?
You will receive an email notification by mid-September if you are selected for your age group pool.

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

Where are ODP training sessions held?
Training sessions will take place in Central Jersey.

Is attendance required for all ODP events?
Yes, we expect selected players to fully commit to the program and attend all scheduled events.

Parent Information

Will there be a parent viewing area?
Yes, a designated parent viewing area will be provided. Parents are asked to remain in this area and avoid communicating with players during tryouts.

Do parents need to be present at check-in?
Parents can attend check-in, but their presence is not mandatory.

Can parents/guardians drop off their children and leave?
Parents are encouraged to remain on-site or nearby during tryouts.

This FAQ ensures players and parents have a clear understanding of the process and expectations for NJ ODP tryouts. Let us know if you have additional questions!