ODP G06 2018

This was my kid's first experience doing this out West. A few observations:

There many talented players in this age group. Congrats to those who made the cut! They said that there are roughly 9,000 players in the age group in SoCal, so it's an accomplishment to be selected at all.

There is no "system" to play within at these ODP sessions. The coaches pretty much roll out the ball and say "go play." There really isn't coaching or training at all, so don't send your kids for the training or coaching.

The format favors aggressive, selfish players. Players willing to push their way through the scrum and knock girls down. I don't mean this in a disrespectful way. I actually respect the drive and passion I saw. It seemed like kids were trying to get noticed by taking on other players on and going on long individual dribbling runs. By the 2nd day, my kid was rolling her eyes every time she collected a ball, made a pass and then moved into space, only to have the recipient take off down the field into traffic and try to dribble 4-5 players. I encouraged her to be more aggressive and go for it herself, but she thought is was ridiculous. Ultimately she didn't make the cut, so you could argue that she didn't do the right thing, but it's her journey not mine so what can you do?

I was surprised that Cal South didn't make it feel more special. There's very little done in the way of banners or signage or hoopla. There's a lot more of a special field at National Cup. This year, we didn't even get matching uniforms. I saw a picture of the 2007s and they had matching shirts and shorts, while we ended up with a white t-shirt. It may seem trivial, but I would have liked to see more recognition overall and value from the session. Show the girls a bit more love.

My kid really enjoyed meeting and getting to know players that she competed against this year. She thought everyone was great.

Overall, I would send her again if given the opportunity. It's great to have her experience a highly "alpha-oriented" training and tryout environment. If she's going to be successful, she's going to need to learn how to deal with this type of environment, whether in high school, on a college pitch, inside a company, etc.
The 07’s were given the matching shirts the second weekend. I’d imagine it will be the same for the 06’s. (you didn’t want the socks!)
 
Final 18 sorted by last name. Congratulations to those selected.

Diep Sherry
Encinas Madison
Gordon Hailey
Howitt Bianca
Jackman Ava
Kasarda Kira
Kiesling Gia
Lopiccolo Rebekah
Mekitarian Ashley
Nesser Brianna
Ngo-Harris Leilani
Osborn Sydney
Penaloza Cassandra
Romero Genesis
Schall Ava
Schuler Madison
Spears Sarah
Tjon Madeline

Two 05 teams were brought in for scrimmages: Oxnard PAL and Real SoCal's U14 DA team. As expected RSC has some very good players!
 
Thank you!

Final 18 sorted by last name. Congratulations to those selected.

Diep Sherry
Encinas Madison
Gordon Hailey
Howitt Bianca
Jackman Ava
Kasarda Kira
Kiesling Gia
Lopiccolo Rebekah
Mekitarian Ashley
Nesser Brianna
Ngo-Harris Leilani
Osborn Sydney
Penaloza Cassandra
Romero Genesis
Schall Ava
Schuler Madison
Spears Sarah
Tjon Madeline

Two 05 teams were brought in for scrimmages: Oxnard PAL and Real SoCal's U14 DA team. As expected RSC has some very good players!
 
FYI-- Real So Cal's U14 DA team is in NC for DA showcase....they must have played another Real team...
 
Final 18 sorted by last name. Congratulations to those selected.

Diep Sherry
Encinas Madison
Gordon Hailey
Howitt Bianca
Jackman Ava
Kasarda Kira
Kiesling Gia
Lopiccolo Rebekah
Mekitarian Ashley
Nesser Brianna
Ngo-Harris Leilani
Osborn Sydney
Penaloza Cassandra
Romero Genesis
Schall Ava
Schuler Madison
Spears Sarah
Tjon Madeline

Two 05 teams were brought in for scrimmages: Oxnard PAL and Real SoCal's U14 DA team. As expected RSC has some very good players!

A huge congrats to all! Sure it was very competitive and fun.

Don't know all girls but by the looks, seems like they opted for size and players from teams that were in semis of Nat Cup? Heard from friend that the coaches said girls were all very, very close and it took a long time for the girls to wait, and things being equal, I guess there's less risk that way in a short amount of time to choose, perhaps? Also heard that this is just for camp you pay for and then selecting again for real tourney in winter? Most girls onto DA after this.

In the end, congrats!
 
>Don't know all girls but by the looks, seems like they opted for size and players from teams that were in semis of Nat Cup?

7 out 18 in semis. Biased towards size and speed, yes.

>Heard from friend that the coaches said girls were all very, very close and it took a long time for the girls to wait, and things being equal, I guess there's less risk that way in a short amount of time to choose, perhaps?

They say that every time LOL

> Also heard that this is just for camp you pay for and then selecting again for real tourney in winter?

Correct. 18 chosen go to summer camp. The final 40 are going to be invited back to try out for the travel team to ODP championships. I wouldn't be surprised if they invited the 2007 ODP selections to try out in winter also, since that's what they did this past season with 05/06s.

>Most girls onto DA after this.

Doubt it. Just my personal opinion without any knowledge of what any player or club is doing. It makes better business sense for the clubs to try and keep the 06 team together and matriculate them to DA next year as a group instead of plucking 1 or 2 to play D.A.
 
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