With the Region 1 Tournament and the Regional ID Camps behind us, it's time to bring another ODP season to a close.  Glen, the staff and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of hte players that participated in the Olympic Development Program this year for their outstanding efforts.  The decision to compete at the highest levels of any sport requires commitment, dedication and countless hours of sacfirifice and training on the part of the athlete.  Our athletes made that commitment, and their dedication to their dreams was clear.  But a young athlete can't make that commitment on his or her own -  their parents and families must also share in their commitment.  Without the support of their parents and families, the road these athletes have chosen to travel would be far more difficult.  So, on behalf of the athletes, Glen and the staff, I'd like to take this opportunity to extend out sincerest thanks to all of the parents and families who have supported the athletes and our program - without YOUR commitment, dedication and sacrifice, your sons and daughters would not be able to pursue thier dreams.

 

Each year the staff sets higher standards for our players ... and each year the players have responded by accepting the challenge and meeting or exceeding our expectations.  This year was no exception.  Over 50 NY West players were invited to train with the Regional Pools at the ID Camps, and 22 of those players were ultimately selected to one of the Regional Pools, including two (Gretchen Miller - '89G and Ashley Walsh - '91G) that were invited to participate at the National level.

 

As the players continue to improve, it becomes more and more difficult to make the final pool selections at the end of each year.  However, if we are to keep raising our expectations we must become more critical and difficult decisions must be made.  The staffs have completed their selections and the final 2005 State pool lists have been posted.  Select the Player Pools link to view the final Sate pools.

 

We strongly encourage players that were not selected to register and attend the tryouts again in the fall.  Tryouts for the '92s and '93s will be held the weekend of September 24th and 25th.  Tryouts for the '89s, '90s and '91s will be held the weekend of December 3rd.  Please continue to check the website for more information on the tryouts.

 

Once again, I'd like to thank the players and their parents for an outstanding year!  We'll look forward to seeing everyone again when the program starts back up in December.  Until then, best wishes and best of luck with all your soccer endeavors.

 

Dave Matthews

ODP Administrator, NYSWYSA