ODP is a USYSA entity. It is NOT under direct control of USSF. USSF is above USYSA, but does not directly run ODP. It appears that many of the powers that be at the USSF (read MLS)realize that the US system of player development is not getting it done at the elite level.

For example, Christian Gomez has been arguably the best 'number 10' in MLS the past few years and would be a fixture on the US national team if he were an American, but is not among the five best at his position in Argentina a country with one-ninth the population of the US. Why can we not come come close to producing a world class creative midfielder? I think (and others think)some of it has to do with how players are developed 7-10 years of age - too much coaching, too much emphasis on booting the ball up the field, not enough 'street soccer',etc; however, some of it has to do with the way elite players are trained 13-17 years of age. In the best soccer countries players 13-17 are developed primarily by professional clubs who are looking for players for the future. The emphasis is on training, not winning a bunch of rinky-dink cup titles. Players practice with elite players their age, but probably more importantly they train with players who are a little older and better than they are.

ODP is a pretty good system for player ID and they run an excellent camp in the summer - for one week. The week in week out training offered varies dramatically from state to state and my impression is that it is a pretty poor means of player development.

The Developmental Academy has issues, which I would be glad to discuss at another time, but it is clearly where the USSF and MLS are putting their energies. In its first year the exposure to Division 1 coaches, MLS coaches and national team coaches is already greater through the Developmental Academy and it looks to be shifted that way even more in the future.

For a state wide team to work successfully would require the laying down of arms and cooperation among key DOC's. Training would be done locally several times a week and then once a week or so training at a unified location.

The Developmental Academy would involve 50 players at a time - 2 squads plus underage"development players". I don't think there are more than 50 male D-1/pro soccer prospects in the state currently. May be I'm wrong ...