| Dear Parents,
 Congratulations
on your son or daughter’s selection to the pool
of the Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association’s
Olympic Development Program. With their selection they
have been recognized as among the elite players in their
age group within the state.
There are three main objectives of the Olympic Development
Program:
1) To have players recognized for their playing ability
and advance to the Regional and possibly the National
level.
2) To promote a sense of confidence and independence
in each player as they advance within our program.
3) To develop and maintain a training environment that
promotes learning and player development.
The Olympic Development Program has traditionally provided
the best soccer coaches in the state. Almost every head
coach and assistant coach has experience at every level.
They also have their National A License, NSCAA Premier
License, UEFA License or National B License.
Practice, mini camp, and match schedules should be
posted within the next two weeks on the EPYSA web site.
After teams are selected we would appreciate at least
two parents to act as team managers. We will also be
in need of two parents to act as chaperones at Regional
Camps for each age group. If the urge to relive those
college years and live in a college dormitory are in
the back of your minds please feel free to volunteer.
The commitment parents make with elite players is extensive
and EPYSA recognizes the sacrifices you will make this
spring and summer in order to provide your child the
opportunity to advance and develop as a player. Allow
your child to develop as an individual and become their
own self advocate. If he or she has a problem let them
approach the coach and resolve any issues or work through
them without your assistance. Often we enable our children
whether it be at home, school or the playing field.
We want to see them become more independent and gain
confidence in their own abilities, because if they do
represent the region or advance to a national team,
they will be with only one chaperone and their coaches.
There will be conflicts during the ODP season with
club and high school soccer. Club state cup games and
high school games are excused absences. All other club
games or club practices will be on a case by case basis.
It is suggested you share the ODP schedule with your
club and high school coaches to avoid possible conflicts.
If in your opinion you feel your son or daughter is
being overextended in games and practices, do not hesitate
to email Kate at the State Office (kateobie@epysa.org)
and she will forward your email to the head coach in
your child’s age group and copy myself on it.
We also recognize the extensive expenses required by
parents whose children participate in high level soccer.
Any parent who feels they cannot cover the costs of
ODP for their child should complete a financial aid
form available from the EPYSA office. The office number
is 215-657-7727.
We welcome suggestions and as always, recognize the
effort each of you has made to get your child to this
level in their young careers.
Sincerely,
Michael K. Barr
Director of Coaching
Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association |
