The ODP Philosophy is to identify players of the highest caliber on a continuing and consistent basis, which will lead to increased success for the U.S. National Teams in the international arena. The US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program was formed in 1977 to identify a pool of players in each age group from which a National Team will be selected for international competition; to provide high-level training to benefit and enhance the development of players at all levels; and, through the use of carefully selected and licensed coaches, develop a mechanism for the exchange of ideas and curriculum to improve all levels of coaching. 

ODP is offered as a compliment to club programs as an additional resource for player development as they prepare for state, regional, national and international competitions. Utah State Select represents the highest level of youth soccer offered in the state of Utah and is available to all [age specific] youth soccer players registered with Utah Youth Soccer. Players are selected on the basis of open tryouts. Selection of these players is not an easy task. Players are evaluated on the four components that make up a soccer player: Technique, Tactactical, Physical and Psychological.