In 2005, in response to the requests of NHSA competitive clubs and the top players in the state, the NH ODP established an "Invitational Tryout" initiative to occur in the early spring, just prior to state team rosters being named. This "Invitational Tryout" targets the very top players in the state who, because of the demands of their already busy soccer schedule, want to bypass fall and winter NH ODP tryouts and training and attempt to join the state teams in the spring. This initiative was very successful, and the NH ODP looks to improve on this process in 2006 as follows….
In January, the NH ODP Director of Scouting solicits nominations of top players from all competitive NHSA club Directors of Coaching - nominations are due March 1st. The NH ODP established that this is a selective process, and that only the very top two or three players on any given club team should be nominated. Any player nominated should be informed by their club that they are being encouraged to participate in this opportunity.
By February 10th each NH ODP Head Coach contacts the players nominated in their age group and formally invites them to the "NH ODP Invitational Tryouts" held on March 1st and 8th. Note that a player who is asked to attend the "Invitational Tryout" is not automatically guaranteed a final roster spot on the NH ODP State Team. Players asked to attend the "Invitation Tryout" will pay the $25.00 NH ODP Registration Fee; and if named to the final state team roster, they will be responsible for all NH ODP/Region 1 Spring fees (approximately $375.00).
By March 12th, the NH ODP Head Coaches publish their final state team rosters, with the goal of identifying the top 18 players, along with an additional two-to-six "alternates" in the state in their respective age group. Final rosters are generally comprised of players from the NH ODP Winter Training Pools as well as "Invitational Tryout" players.
Players named to the final NH ODP State Team rosters train once-a-week on Wednesday evenings in April, May, June and early July at the Northeast Athletic Club in Pembroke, and compete in one Region 1 weekend event a month, including:
- on the second weekend in June at the Region 1 Tournament at Rider University, Lawrenceville-NJ;
- and if they choose (and for an additional fee) at the Region 1 Camps in early to mid-July (TBA - see www.region1.com for schedules).
For full information on the NH ODP, including specific schedules, coaching staff, fees and financial aid information see www.soccernh.com/odp.
ONLY PLAYERS NOMINATED AND INVITED WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE "NH ODP INVITATIONAL TRYOUT" - any other players will not be permitted to attend.
The schedule for the 2009 "NH ODP Invitational Tryout" is as follows:
Sunday March 1st - at Hampshire Hills Indoor Arena in Milford-NH
See schedules for each age group and additional information.
Sunday March 8th - at Seacoast United Fields in Epping-NH.
See schedules and times for each age group and additional information.
Click here for directions to Hampshire Hills
All teams train for two hours: plan on arriving at least 15 minutes early to Register at the door, and plan on staying 15 minutes afterwards to meet with the coaches - parents are invited to the final meeting also. Wear appropriate soccer gear and footwear (shin-guards required) and bring your own ball and water.
All NHSA club coaches and/or Directors of Coaching who have nominated players are invited to attend, and are strongly encouraged to meet with the NH ODP Head Coach of each age group 15 minutes after each tryout session (after player/parent wrap-up meetings are complete) to discuss players.
Download Registration Form
The schedule for the 2009 "NH ODP Invitational Tryout" is as follows:
SUNDAY MARCH 1st 2009
At Hampshire Hills Indoor Arena, Milford, NH 8:00am-2:00pm
(Each group on one third of the large 11 v 11 floor)
* 8:00am - 9:30am - Boys U12, U13, U14
* 9:30am - 11:00am - Boys U15, U16, U17
* 11:00am - 12:30pm - Girls U13, U14
* 12:30pm - 2:00pm - Girls U15, U16, U17
SUNDAY MARCH 8th 2009
At Seacoast United Fields, Epping, NH 5:00pm-9:00pm
* 10:00am - 12:00pm All Girls
* 12:00pm - 2:00pm All Boys
All players must pay a $25 Registration Fee (cash, or checks made out to "NHSA ODP") and fill out the NH ODP Registration Form - if a minor then that form will require a parent/guardian signature (click here to download the NH ODP Registration form). All teams train for two hours: plan on arriving at least 15 minutes early to Register at the door, and plan on staying 15 minutes afterwards to meet with the coaches - parents are invited to the final meeting also. Wear appropriate soccer gear and footwear (shin-guards required) and bring your own ball and water.
All NHSA club coaches and/or Directors of Coaching who have nominated players are invited to attend, and are strongly encouraged to meet with the NH ODP Head Coach of each age group 15 minutes after each tryout session (after player/parent wrap-up meetings are complete) to discuss players.
Download Nomination Form (.xls)