By Mark Ruest: NHSA Director of Coaching

Among the opportunities afforded those players who are selected for a NH ODP State or JV team is the chance to attend US Youth Soccer's Region 1 ODP Camp. There are several factors that make this a unique experience for every player who participates. These include playing with peers, learning from experienced coaches, gaining life skills, and seeing the next level of play. It is an honor and a great opportunity to be selected to attend the USYS Region 1 Camp - simply some of the best soccer camps in the northeast!

One of the most important characteristics of the camp is that all players have a chance to play with and against some of their "true" soccer peers for the week. Unlike camps that are "open" to anyone, ODP Campers have been selected as some of the best players from their state. The result is that, for an entire week, players find themselves in high quality challenging games. Activities and matches that include players who are "faster" or "stronger" or "smarter" forces all those in the contest to solve problems quicker, in more creative ways, and be more precise with their skill. The environment is a catalyst for good players to learn from one another both on and off the field.

The camp affords participants the chance to be exposed to highly experienced Region 1 and, in some cases, National Staff Coaches. The Regional Staff is charged with training and evaluating every player throughout the week. Receiving feedback from Regional, National and other State ODP Coaches adds to a player's understanding of what parts of his or her game needs the most work. Also, being exposed to different coaching styles, personalities, expectations, etc. can be a valuable learning experience. Working with unfamiliar coaches is one way many players are taken out of their comfort zone and given the chance to learn how to handle challenging situations. This is an important life skill.

Most players find themselves using the event as a personal measuring stick. They get a chance to see where they "fit in" among other elite players in a larger portion of the soccer world. It can help them alter their reference point and broaden their, often myopic, view of just how good they are. A few players find out that they are among the very best in the region and can hold their own playing with the best in camp. For most, it's a chance to see where the ODP standard is in the Northeastern U.S. and obtain a better idea about what they need to do if they want to try and reach the next level.

The camp also demands players take more responsibility for themselves both on and off the pitch. Being in a supervised environment (but away from parents, family and friends) means that each individual must be the one to make sure they have all their equipment each time they leave for the field, take care of their bodies by eating properly, concentrate on stretching exercises, see trainers if necessary, get rest whenever possible, etc. These are all abilities that players at high levels must obtain in order to be truly successful. Once again, these reflect important life lessons as well.

Players learn to deal with adversity in terms of being in a training / tryout situation all week long. Many players have issues that they begin learning to manage, especially when Camp "Pool" Groups are announced. If they are in the group, they start to sort out what types of things they can do to help give them the best chance to stay in the "Pool." If they are not in the top group but think they might have a chance to work their way in, they need to find ways to stay mentally focused, keep things in perspective and demonstrate their strengths as a player. For the rest, those who feel they have no chance at making the final Regional Team or Group, they must discover how to get the most out of camp solely as a learning experience. For many, dealing with disappointment at not making the final team is a new experience. Learning to regroup and move on will help them cope with many obstacles throughout life.

An exciting prospect for some is a chance of being selected for the next level, the final Regional Team or Pool. The NH ODP has had a select few of its participants, on both the boys and girls side, who have played with the US Soccer Youth National Teams. It is important however, to keep in mind that this is for a small percentage of the population - the numbers are simply against the majority of players making a National or even Regional Team. Parents and players should focus on the lessons and experiences that the camp facilitates as the real reasons for participating and to think of the possibility of making the next team a bonus.

Region 1 ODP Camp is designed for players who have fun being placed in soccer settings that challenge them in different ways and on different levels. Having the chance to work with highly experience coaches and play with skilled players in these testing situations allows for growth both as players and, more importantly, as people. Attending the USYS Region 1 Camp can make a profound impact on those who attend.