The Rising Talent Program (RTP) is our core youth development program since the club's creation in 2002! Our coaches and trainers apply proven training methods currently being applied at training centers around the globe. The RTP accepts players of "all levels" of ability and they are placed with a skilled professional coach for maximum learning.

The RTP provides the next level of player education and development providing our newcomers to the game an opportunity to have fun! Program is held once/week with a game on Saturday(s).

The RTP program assists in the identification and development of talented young players throughout our community with a focus on education and progression. This sophisticated program has coaches, parents and players “partner” to succeed.

 

The focused and innovative methods of team management and individual player training are the basis of this educational program.

The “Life” Cycle of Development within the RTP is: The application of a quality training program and environment that fosters quality player development and a deep “love of the game”.

         Play ---> Analyze ---> Train --> Play

 

RTP Training Sessions Include: 

• Activities that are “dynamic” like the game
• Activities that provide challenges and real game situations
• Activities that mirror the actual game

For more details on the Rising Talent Program (RTP) contact us at info@olddominionfc.org

RTP Fall 2026 Registration Information

Program Start Date(s)/Locations:

ODFC North (Woodgrove Park/Round Hill ES)

• Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026

ODFC South (Dawsons Corner Park or Byrnes Ridge Park)

• Thursday, September 3rd, 2026

Program Training Day/Time:

ODFC North:
Wednesday(s) 5:30-6:30PM
ODFC South:
Thursday(s) 5:30-6:30PM

Program Length: 8 weeks

Program Game Day(s): Saturday(s)

First Game: Saturday, September 12th

No games Labor Day Weekend

Game Field(s): ODFC North (Woodgrove Park-Small Field)

                             ODFC South (Champe HS Bermuda Grass)

Time: ODFC North (Woodgrove Park) 9AM-1PM

            ODFC South (Champe HS Bermuda Grass) 10AM-1PM

NOTE: Teams will be created based on birth years and play a small-sided format (4 vs. 4 or 5 vs. 5) for maximum touches on the ball. Schedule of games may be slightly adjusted depending on number of teams and opponents

Cost: $160.00, early bird until Aug 10th, 2026 ($20 off)

Sibling discounts available!

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE RISING TALENT PROGRAM

RTP Training Sessions Include: 

• Activities that are “dynamic” like the game of soccer
• Activities that provide challenges and real game situations
• Activities that mirror the actual game

What we ask of our RTP Coaches: 

• Are your sessions organized?
• Do your activities “mirror” the game and contain elements of the game?
• Do our players fully understand how your session fits into the game?
• Are the expectations of our players realistic?
• Are the instructions clear and concise?
• Have you documented your session to improve next time out?

Training Sessions-Applying a Theme:

Coaching Perspective

• Clearly defined theme
• Allow the conditions of the game to coach the "theme"
• Instruct at natural breaks in the sessions/games
• Instruct in the flow of the game
• Coach individual players as game continues

Player Perspective

• Training session needs to establish a rhythm of play which resembles game tempo
• Players need time for "free-play"
• Players need to have a chance to solve problems on their own (Guided Discovery)
• Players need to be exposed to continuous, quality training activities often

RTP Applies Guided Discovery Teaching/Learning Philosophy:

“I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand”

Our coaches are encouraged to assist the player to reflect on real-game experiences, and gain game insights as they make new generalizations that can be tested out on future exercises. The coach’s job is not so much to give advice but to challenge, support and encourage our players as they reach their own conclusions. 

Guided Discovery on the training pitch includes a deep connection between player and our coaches as players (students) are guided to an understanding of the game. Players are encouraged to solve challenges in different ways as coaches provide a stream of information and ask relevant questions.

For more details on the Rising Talent Program (RTP) contact us at info@olddominionfc.org.