Soccer California

New strategic partnership delivers the latest player evaluation technology to Cal North’s Olympic Development Program and network of 132 member clubs.

Pleasanton, CA (June 17, 2020) – Cal North Chairman, Larry Svetich is pleased to announce that Cal North has partnered with TeamGenius, the leading athlete evaluation app for tryouts, feedback, and player development.

Cal North lifted the suspension of play that has been in place due to the COVID-19 virus and pandemic.  The final decision to get back on the field has been returned to local leagues and clubs in every district, county, and city.  The decisions leagues and clubs make to return to play must abide by and be done in conjunction with directives established by the State of California and local county health directors and departments.  Cal North has prepared a number of recommended guidelines to aid leagues and clubs in developing their own unique return to play protocols.

The Cal North Olympic Development Program (otherwise known as ODP) provides players the opportunity to compete in quality competitions against other state association ODP teams, exposing players to college coaches, and regional/national team coaches for further advancement.

The Cal North Olympic Development Program is directly affiliated with the U.S. Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program formed in 1977. The Olympic Development Program is a national identification and development program for players of the highest-level. Each state association identifies and develops youth players throughout the country to represent their State Association and the United States in regional, national, and in some cases international soccer competitions.

With the current uncertainties surrounding social distancing and the effect on sports in general, it’s understandable for athletes to feel that they are missing major components of their daily training.

By accepting to see the worldwide situation as a necessary precaution to help keep members of the community safe, athletes can use their creativity to strengthen the most technical aspects of their sport while unable to physically practice with their team and coaches. Soccer players can modify daily training to work on their individual footwork, agility, and endurance skills that collectively contribute to a successful team. As Bruce Lee once said, “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.” 

We know how challenging it has been for our youth to not be able to participate with their friends and teammates in the activities that they love. Social distancing is challenging for us as adults, and we can only imagine how much more difficult it is for our children.

With that said, we want to share a resource to support the remote coaching and mentorship work many of you are doing during this time of social and physical distancing. One of Cal North's partners, Soccer Without Borders (SWB) is organizing a free 5-week challenge. The Stay Home Season starts April 27th (registration deadline is April 24th):  https://www.stayhomeseason.org/