Dakota ODP recently caught up with program alumni Dawson Fairchild. Dawson is a former 00B player. While in the program, Dawson was a member of the Dakota ODP State team, Midwest Region ID Camp nominee, and Region II/Midwest Region Team player. Dawson graduated from Rapid City Central, located in Rapid City, SD, in 2019. He played his club soccer for the Black Hills Rapids SC as well as guest played with other teams for multiple other opportunities.

After graduating from Rapid City Central in 2019, Dawson joined the UMary Marauders in Bismarck ND. After one year, UMary canceled its Men’s program and Dawson landed at St. Cloud State University in Saint Cloud, MN. Since graduating from High School, and during his early college years, Dawson has returned to Dakota ODP as a staff member. Dawson has been an age group admin and now as an intern coach, assisting with goalie trainings and age group coaching. Dawson has also started his coaching badge journey, currently working towards completing his grassroots coaching license and starting on his USSF National D License.

In meeting with Dawson, he was asked how he felt the ODP program has assisted him getting to where he is today. Dawson’s written response follows: “ODP for me is a great opportunity for aspiring college players. I know for a fact that I would not be where I am without this program. The program is not only great on the soccer side of things but was a staple in my social life. ODP challenged my anti-social younger self to open up and make friends. I’ve made lifelong friends that have changed my love for the sport and taken it to a whole new level. ODP has given me opportunities to travel the Midwest and meet so many amazing athletes. Not only have the guys I’ve met changed my life, but without the coaching staff; I don’t know where I’d be. Every opportunity I had to ask how I could improve I used it and built on it. ODP has gotten me to where I am. My first college coach was Dave Cook, and my current coach Sean Holmes; who are both ODP coaches. The ODP program does a great job getting some of the best coaches involved and giving the athletes the best opportunity to strive to their full potential.”

When asking the DODP Program Administrator, Jason Wear, his thoughts on Dawson Fairchild he said, “Dawson is as an extremely happy person. He (Dawson) is a great young man and role model towards all he encounters. He is always smiling and positive person and finds the good, and humor, in almost every situation. I love having Dawson attend events as a staff member as ODP is not always about a continued playing experience. ODP aims toward assisting its athletes in furthering their soccer opportunities and gaining exposure to do so. I am happy for Dawson and that he is still chasing his playing dreams and I hope that wherever his journey takes him, Dakota ODP is still able to continue brining Dawson back on staff. I think it’s fantastic that former players want to come back and give back to the program that assisted them along their pathway.”

Dakota ODP is gearing up for it is 2020/21 season with tryouts scheduled for mid-November. This season the birth years will be for Girls born during 2004 – 2009, and Boys born during 2003 – 2009. DODP will have two specific pathways for the older and younger age groups. Registration will open for the 2020-21 Dakota ODP season on September 10th , 2020. For more information, you can go to www.dakotaodp.org, email us at [email protected], or follow us on Instagram (dakota_odp) Twitter (@DakotaODP) or Facebook (@ODPoftheDakotas).