Smith named to U.S. Olympic Development Program

GREENCASTLE -- Indiana Youth Soccer recently announced its 2010 U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) Teams.

Evan Smith of Greencastle is one of 18 boys named to this year's state team roster for boys born in 1995.

The team will attend the Region II soccer camp in Kansas this July along with teams from 12 other states.

Also a 2007, 2008, and 2009 Indiana ODP state team member, Smith plays club soccer with South Central Soccer Academy in the Midwest Regional League. Evan is also a former player in the Putnam County Youth Soccer Association and the Bloomington Cutters Soccer Club. Evan is currently a freshman at Greencastle High School, where he earned a varsity letter in soccer in 2009.

ODP players represent the top players in Indiana Youth Soccer, and many will vie for positions on the US Youth Soccer Region II ODP roster.

The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program (ODP) was formed in 1977 to identify a pool of players in each age group from which a National Team would be selected for international competition. The US Youth Soccer ODP provides high-level training to benefit and enhance the development of players at all levels; and, through the use of carefully selected and licensed coaches, develops a mechanism for the exchange of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching.

Since 1982, international events for youth national teams have increased substantially and the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program has kept pace by instituting trials and player pools for five age groups in the boys' program, and five age groups in the girls' program.

Each State Association holds ODP try-outs on an annual basis, conducted by state association coaches who are recognized for their ability to identify and train players with superior skills. Players are evaluated on four major components that make up a soccer player: technique, tactics, fitness and a psychological component or attitude.

For more information about Indiana ODP please visit indianayouthsoccer.org online. For more information about local soccer programs, visit Putnam County Youth Soccer Association at www.pcysa.com.