Over spring break, freshman Garrett Magill was selected to travel to France with the Olympic Development Program (ODP) to compete internationally with the Virginia state soccer team.    

     While in France, Magill enjoyed touring the picturesque city of Paris as well as the outskirts of the Loure Valley.    

     “My favorite part [of the trip] was hanging out with the team between games and on tours,” said Magill.     

     The team played a total of five games versing numerous international teams. As one could imagine, the style of play was very different in all of the teams they encountered.    

     When commenting on these distinct differences, Magill said, “ The French teams were definitely really good. They played really fast and never took long on the ball. They also [are able to] go to schools where they spend half of their day training and getting better.”

    Magill was given the opportunity to take part in this trip because he is a member of the Virginia State ODP team as well as the region 1 team. After being selected for the state team, Magill moved on to compete for a spot on the region 1 team, which is made up of some of the best athletes from the individual state teams on the East Coast. 

     In order to be selected for the ODP program you must participate in numerous try-outs over a series of months where coaches evaluate each player’s strengths and weaknesses to determine who is selected for the Virginia State ODP player pool. 

     “I believe that playing with the ODP program has made me a better player by giving me exposure to other talented players, as well as other styles of play and coaching. It helps you become a more well rounded player,” explained Magill. 

     John Ellinger, head coach of the U-17 men’s national team, explains the importance of participation in the ODP program.     

     “Players develop through the ODP process by continually being placed in a more competitive environment…Coaches and players are only as good as the level that they have been exposed to in their soccer environments,” commented Ellinger.

     Garrett currently plays for the Kettle Run boy’s varsity soccer team. 

     “Garrett is a quick player with a high soccer IQ. He is consistent and makes very few mistakes. In the short time I’ve had the opportunity to work with Garrett, I have found that he is very coachable and likeable. It is easy to understand why he has enjoyed the success that he has had in soccer. This is also a reason why he is playing such a considerable role for the varsity team,” said head coach of the KRHS boy’s varsity soccer team Philip Roper. 

     Go out and support our boys at their next home game. Check the Upcoming Sports section for their schedule.