Northfield Soccer Association

The Northfield Soccer Association strongly recommends out of season participation for all players U-12 and older and encourages it for U-9 and above. Once your child reaches U-12, if they are committed to competitive soccer, they should be having some sort of soccer activity outside of the spring/summer traveling season.

Here are a few suggestions for additional development and playing opportunities:
1. Let your child's coach know that you are interested in registering for a Fall League Team
2. Attend a week-long summer camp
3. Join an indoor soccer league or camp in the winter

Playing in the off-season is essential to your child's soccer development.

There are numerous opportunities within Minnesota for both summer camps and winter play. A simple Google search will yield many results. You should also talk to your child's coach, teammates, and other families. Many of our players are already engaged in these and may be a practical resource to find what's right for your child and your family.

We will post opportunities as we are made aware of them.  Note, not all listings will be endorsed/sponsored by the NSA. 

The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program has been in existence since 1977. The program was introduced to help identify potential national team youth players through an organized series of trials which begins at the district level, progresses through the state, region and finally the national level. The program also serves as a means of development as the players identified are brought together for training and prepared for interstate, interregional and international competitions. The development of the players is taking place rapidly as talented players are brought together for training and competition at all levels. Training and playing with those of equal or greater ability is a tremendous teaching tool. The program is open to any youth player.

The higher up the ladder a player progresses, the more intense the training and playing become. The regional teams experience both interregional and international competitions on an annual basis. A pool of players is selected for each age group with the rosters changing each year as players develop at different rates. Regional players have traveled to Florida, Las Vegas, San Diego, France, England, Costa Rica, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

While the US Youth Soccer ODP is one vehicle for development and identification, it is not the only method. All programs work together to help the players attain their ultimate potential. The US Youth Soccer ODP does provide a systematic method that allows players to advance as far as their abilities allow. It serves as a form of self-evaluation in a system that is recognized by coaches at all levels.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATION?

1. Development as a player. The opportunity to train and play with the best players in one's age group.
2. Quality instruction from nationally licensed coaches.
3. Quality competition. Games against other state association teams.
4. Exposure to regional and national team coaches.
5. The opportunity to represent one's state, region, or country in competition. Exposure to college coaches.

For more information, please go to the MN Youth Soccer website.

Registration for the 2013 is now open:

ODP Registration Links:  ODP Identifications 1996,1997,1998 birth years

       ODP District Select Spring Festival: 1999, 2000 and 2001 birth years