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Does anyone know how many girl players have actually been selected from SC for the regional pool? Or what the chances are of getting picked?

The ODP rosters can be found at http://www.scysa.org/StateSelect_ODP/ODP_Main.htm

Slim to none. The better the club teams are at regions the more players that get selected. The coaches won't even show up to a South Carolina game unless you happen to play a Florida or Texas team. So the only real way to even get a chance is to be very very good or be connected in the greenville area. But that will only get you a chance.

Does anyone know if any of the teams in regionals had players recruited while they were there? If so, who and by what school?

I can tell you there were tons of coaches there, but I only chatted with them as they were enjoying the U-19B games. I have no idea what oter games or individuals they were watching...

BobF

retried - I heard a couple of coaches commenting about some of the SC parents as well, that I thought humorous.

That would be Chico...

Wish I had been able to be there...

Were the comments about the SC parents positive or negative?

ODP Regional Camp - Postponed for this week.
Rescheduled for 14th-18th

Due to weather - Dennis

Hum, that is wierd, I was just there, and some no one mentioned that the following week would be cancelled, and it would be mayhem to have 2 groups there at once (but I was at the girls camp)

And back to the original question (which I misunderstood) the regional team pools are being picked during regional camp. The only pools that have been picked are the u19 and u15. I have no clue about guys, but for girls, the U19 pool included Lindsay Beam, and a girl from West Ashley (not Julie bolt) its funny, i talked to her but never caught her name, I'm assuming it is Danielle Jordan. And the U15 team got one selection from SC. And the coaches (because there were so many of them) were watching every game pretty much (there were 6 at a time and more than 6 regional coaches)

the U15 girl was Morgan Thomas (I'm almost certain)

>> [soccer lover] Does anyone know how many girl players have actually been selected from SC for the regional pool? Or what the chances are of getting picked?<<

I've heard that South Carolina is doing much better placing girl players in region age bracket pools this year [I believe last year South Carolina didn't place any girls into region pools]. I know that the 1989 girls are just going to camp today; but I've heard South Carolina has placed 2 girls in the 86/87 pool, 1 girl in the 88 pool, 2 girls in the 90 pool, and 1 girl in the 91 pool.

Here are the names I've heard:

86/87: Lindsey Beam, Danielle Jordan
88: Hailey Beam
89: [Going to camp today, 7/15.]
90: Kira Campbell, Ellison Sharpe
91: Morgan Thomas

I also heard that Shannon Bigbie was invited to the 88 pool game and that Hannah Gmerek was invited to the 90 pool game.

Good morning all,
One more time. I asked about this a couple of months ago and never got much of a response. Maybe now that some of you have gone through the process, you can let me know.
I understand the new system as having no open tryouts for the 88's and older. How are the participants chosen and by whom?
Thanks in advance for your enlightenment.

Soccerdog,
I haven't heard anything like that, of course I'm interested in a younger age group. I don't really understand how they could not have open tryouts, if it's required for member clubs to have open tryouts to form teams.

Chico,
It's refreshing to see the girls having some success in placing players. The 91 boys had two players, Alex Martinez (DSC), and Brandon Tyner (Bridge FA), play in pool games, and there probably should have been more. As a team they had a record of 2-2, losing the opener pretty bad to TN, but then bouncing back with victories against Oklahoma and Florida before losing a close one goal match against South Texas. So while it's refreshing on the girls side, it's extremely frustrating on the boys side, espcically to the players, to see that FL placed 7 players, after a 3-1 loss to SC, in the pool and South Texas placed 9 players, after a 2-1 win, in the pool. Put yourself in their spot, watching a team that they beat have 7 players put on a pedestal in front of them, without being able to congratulate any of their teamates.

I don't know what the problem is, but clearly some of our boys can play at the level with the players selected!!!!!

You must be speaking of the girls side of things. The 88 boys certainly did have open tryouts with 3 or 4 new players making the team.

I've been saying for years that the SC kids can play with the best in Region III. The difference is that we may only have 4-5 per year, whereas TX or FL may have 12-15. I think even some of the college programs have awakened to this fact and you're starting to see more SC kids go to SC colleges too!

Soccerdog6: I heard that the girls 86/87 pool was invitation only and was invited by the "region," which I assumed to be region coaches. I've read about this for other states; the theory is that they invite players who had previous region pool and higher experience. I had thought that the 88 girls went through an open tryout. In neither case do I have any first-hand or even first-hearsay knowledge.

Bear/Talon: I agree with you folks that South Carolina players tend to be overlooked. I think part of it is reputation [i.e., when we send weaker teams to RIIIPL that get beaten 7-0 regularly we aren't helping ourselves nor are we helping ourselves when we send teams to regionals that get crushed] and part of it is that it's so much easier to look better when playing with better players [i.e., North Texas might have 13 strong players where we have 8]. I realize this is probably less applicable on the boys side since South Carolina tends to be more competitive there; the results this year in the 91 age bracket for the boys is incredibly difficult to understand or even rationalize.

As an example from the age brackets/genders that I follow, I was surprised this year that the 90 girls team didn't have any defenders go at least to a pool game or beyond; I thought there was at least one player I've seen play a lot that would easily make it.

In the 92 age group the players who made pool games were:

Joey De Mare CSC BURN 91
Ara Amirkhanian CESA 92
Hunter Wyer CESA 91
Fernando Gonzalez DSC MUNTINY

None of these players made the Region team

I have heard that Zach Prince made the pool in the 88's and Danny Cates and Enzo Martinez(?) made the pool in the 90's. Pretty good showing in those age groups.

Congrats to Trey Foster, Ryan Kropp, and Nick Schuermann of the 88's also for making pool games.

I agree Futbol Mom, any player from SC that makes the region pool games has at least gotten their attention. Even making one of the pool games is a huge accomplishment. If you think about it, players from 11 states are trying to get into those games. The competition to even play the pool games is very high. Cudos to every player that went and strived to play at the highest level. I understand that 5 players from SC were in the 90's pool game on Saturday after they got eliminated from the semis of the team competition.

Great job SC.

Big congrats to the 92's that just returned from Alabama. They worked hard and sounds like they surprised some teams/coaches- held their own against NTX and Fla teams. Brandon Costa (MPSC) and William Ballentine (Bridge FA 92 Boys Gold) were also chosen for pool games. No 92's from SC made the region pool team but what an accomplishment for 6 players to be chosen for pool play. Wanted to also mention the dedication and hard work of the coaches and administrators- you couldn't ask for more!

This is great news that SC players are getting recognition and playing in pool games. And I believe as more and more teams do well outside the state, this number will no doubt increase. The level of competitive soccer is on the rise.

It seems that on the boys side there is the tale of two camps. Could it be a difference in the personnel that were at the camp representing the players? I just don't know how the selections for pool games or teams are done, but I'm pretty sure we had some "region" coaches from SC in the second camp.

Bear...could you expand on what you mean in your second paragraph about "...tale of two camps...". I may be incorrecting reading into your statement about "...the personnel that were at the camp representing the players..." so I was hoping you could clarify.

From Pool games held in the evenings(BODP) and they are chosen by Region III staff. Boys who made the 1990's Region pool for the 90's were Danny Cates(CSC) and Enzo Martinez(Discoveries). Zach Prince from the 88's. I know that one of the 92's was chosen but I do not know his name. This past week the 1990's boys beat the #1 Florida team and ended up third place out of 9 teams in the tournament. Looks like SC is coming up in the world of soccer. Way to go boys!!!!

P.S. why were none of the CESA boys there? I only saw Kevin Nolan from CEASA.

The 88s had several CESA players on their roster: Vance Benson, Bryan Horton, Adam Ingalls, Mike Gubosh, Kyle Rodgers, and Ryan Kropp.

Oops sorry - I only saw the 90's play. I know that some of the CESA 90's started out but did not complete the full year with ODP. Just curious since they did so well during the year. This program is freat because of the showing they get.

Bear...sorry for the error in my previous post...I meant to say "incorrectly".

I can't spell today....great because of the showing.

GVLDad,

soccersmylife kind of hit the point that I was making. I don't know if during the first boys session, 91's and 89's I think, we, South Carolina, had any representation within the group of "Region III staff". I do know that within the group that just returned yesterday, we, South Carolina, had representation within the group of "Region III staff". More importantly, I don't know if our representatives were actively promoting our players. I simply don't know the process or more importantly what went on since I wasn't there.

As Chico pointed out it's hard to rationalize, and I guess that's what I'm trying to do. Successfully rationalizing this will help me individually determine if the amount of training and potential opportunity is worth the cost and commitment to the program in general.

Bear,
You hit the nail squarely on the head. Period!
SOME of us that have had "kids" in the ODP program since late 80s have questioned whether the potential opportunity is worth the cost and commitment to the program.
The key word is potential.
As I have stated in a distant past message, my oldest, now 30, was thanked at region camp by a couple of the returning players (guaranteed slots) for his participation and $$$$ for their benefit.
Now, this was the boys program and it was a few years ago but it does make you wonder whether or not a SC player can make the team without being so superior to the previous year's selections that that player wouldn't be at region camp anyway. He/she would already be on the national team.
Do you really think the little training they do together is a true benefit to the player. I personally think not. At least not worth over $700 in registration fees alone. Hell, I could buy my daughter a personal trainer for a week or two for that and get a lot more touches on the ball. Of course there are those that believe, come crunch time, being on the SC state ODP team will get them a ride in college. Nope. A strong game and great academics/SATs does that.
I'm done.

If Bear hit the nail on the head.....Soccerdog6 pounded it home!

"Of course there are those that believe, come crunch time, being on the SC state ODP team will get them a ride in college. Nope. A strong game and great academics/SATs does that.
I'm done."

Amen!

Interesting article from Rochester Rhinos soccer program on ODP and recruiting. http://www.jrrhinossoccer.com/Rochester-Jr-Rhinos/News/ODP.htm

Soccerdog6,

Thank you for your comments...and I'm glad I waited before sending my reply to soccersmylife's question of why more of the CESA 90 boys didn't attend. I have a son that plays on the CESA 90 team and I can only speak for our situation but the points that you mentioned are some of the issues that factored into our decision to not attend the camp this year. We'll reevaluate the situation again next year and go through a similar decision process as to whether the potential opportunity is worth the cost and commitment.

I read the article 2004striker refered us to. GVLSoccerDad you should read also.

"But, those who aspire to a level above youth soccer programs should participate in ODP simply because it is current - the most direct route for identifying talent for BOTH our colleges and US National teams."

GVLSoccerDad you should go through this decision process before you bring your son out to tryouts. It is unfair to other players throughout the state wanting a spot on the ODP team when a player participates through the year and then at the last minute decides not to go to camp. The training during the year is important for the player and is especially important for the Coach so he may determine what the player needs to work on.

South Carolina has come a long way to build a positive reputation at the Region III camp but we can not continue if we do not get good represention of the best players throughout the state to attend this camp or participate in the program. If cost is an issue then voice your concerns to SCYSA and I am sure they can find a way to cut costs. ie..have parents take their players to Alabama. I'm sure the bus rental is a large part of the cost. Have the parents buy the uniforms that are issued to the players etc.... I would prefer to pay the extra and not have to drive to Alabama to take a player, stay the week and drive back. Or maybe I should so I can see the level of play the other states have on their teams.
Players must "show" they have the potential to make the National team to even be considered for a pool game. This is a tough week for the players, the heat and humidity really effect the players. If a player does not show then the Region staff can not recommend him for a pool game. These players are watched from the time they step off the bus to the time they get back on. they are watched during pool games on the sidelines to see if they are interested in watching the game or would they prefer to play card and cut up instead of watching to see how they can improve their game.
I've siad enough - I'll continue to support ODP.

Soccersmylife,

Honestly, I was hoping not to rehash the same ODP discussion, as it routinely gets a bad beating. I've been involved for two years now, and must say all things being equal, I'll probably be supportive next year also. However, it's a choice that I won't make alone. I will provide the best opportunities possible, provided the desire remains. Much of my frustration this year stemmed from the frustration expressed to me.

You have also pointed out something that I think bears thoughtful discussion. Everyone involved in club soccer tends to know who the players are in particular age groups. It is clear that the consensus best players for some reason are not participating. I don't know what the reasons are but there has to be a way for SCYSA to figure that out and work to solve them. If we don't find a way to work through these frustrations, the best players will continue not to participate, and some will migrate to other opportunities.

Training and playing with the best players will raise the level of awareness for South Carolina soccer. Keeping the best players interested is key to the overall success.

I agree- that's why I suggested for them to make their comments to SCYSA. We need all the best players in the state to compete with the level coming out of the other states.

I have been involved with ODP for the past few years as well, and the frustration is great in many aspects. I have very little knowledge of the girls side so I will make my comments on the boys side.
1- the best players are not participating. Why? because, although stated in many different views, there is an amount of politics involved. i.e. A boy selected to particpate only because his parent was an admin.
2- Cost... It cost a lot of money to participate in the events. SCYSA should figure out how to make it "free" for all, not just the few who can get scholarships.
3-tryouts... I have been to many, and as someone said before, you know who the players are. Why tryout if Billy will get picked without ever showing his face.
4-practices.... We are in SC, this is almost impossible to do with the players coming from all over the state. One week in Charleston, one week in Columbia. Practices are once a month (maybe a couple)for 4hrs. It does not provide for the best environment to become part of a team. Although individually you may be great it will not show you if the communication with your teammate is not there.
5- Coaches.... This is a revolving never ending door of coaches. There have been times when the coaches just don't show up, or worst do not go to ODP camp with the team that was assigned.
6-Clubs/teams... frankly some do not promote , encourage and in some cases discourage participation. Why? I do not know. But many times players only knew because I happened to mention it

In the recent past there have been small changes that seem to be placing the program in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go. I will continue to promote the program to my son because I believe that it will only make him better. However, I'll be honest, this past year was a losinng proposition

This is our first year with ODP and I agree with many of the comments especially concerning where the issues are and the need for improvement in the program.
I went and asked my son was it worth the blood, sweat and $ to attend the camp. He said that he did learn a lot from the trainer and he felt he played better overall because of the level of players on the team and the competition. He said that playing with people other than his regular team mates made him think differently, talk more, and play stronger. He also said it was obvious that Fla and NTX didn't expect much from our teams - they showed up 10 minutes before game start-- He felt that the teams were a bit surprised at SCs level of play!
I also feel that the boys had a wonderful coach -Adrian Pinasco and asst coach Bert Molinary. He expected no less than their best and they gave it to him. I was continually impressed by the consistent player turn out at practice sessions and how much work they squeezed in that couple of hours.

So for us it was a good year of growth and development albeit expensive. I'm not sure if its the coach, the boys, the parents or what.. but I hope the program continues to strengthen.