ODP (Olympic Development Program)
Youth & DevelopmentA US youth soccer program designed to identify and develop high-level players.
Related Terms in Youth & Development
Academy
A youth development program run by professional clubs to train young players with the aim of promoting them to the senior team.
Mercy Rule
A rule in some youth leagues that ends the game early or allows the losing team to add an extra player if the score difference becomes too large.
Golden Age of Learning
The age range of roughly 9 to 12 years old, considered the optimal window for players to acquire technical skills.
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Latest Youth Soccer News and Articles
The U.S. Girls Youth Soccer Pyramid: A Parent's Guide to League Tiers in 2025/2026
November 6, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
A parent's guide to understanding the tiered leagues in U.S. girls' youth soccer, from ECNL to recreational leagues.
Guide to the New MLS Next Divisions: MLS Next Homegrown and MLS Next Academy Divisions Explained
August 2, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
A clear breakdown of the different divisions within MLS NEXT, explaining the homegrown player rule and the academy structure.
Youth Soccer Birth Year vs School Year Change Explained
August 1, 2025
Play Club Soccer Staff
The age group cut-off date is moving from a January 1st birth year to an August 1st school year system.