Odyssey Soccer Club

We want to welcome all new and returning players and families to the 2008 spring season with Odyssey Soccer Club. We are very excited about this new year as we continue to see improvement from our players and continue to see an influx of talented new players to all of our teams. It's hard to imagine but we have nearly 500 kids in over 20 teams in our select soccer teams and kids academy teams. We are so fortunate to have been able to open our new facility so we are able to bring all our teams together. One goal of Odyssey is to not only build great soccer players but to build a social club where families and kids of all ages can come together. The new facility is just turned one year old and this dream is becoming a reality.

A special welcome to all our new girls and boys and to new coaches such as Eamonn Gallagher (no relation to Paul and Paddy). We are thrilled to have all our wonderful coaches like Eamonn working with us. Thanks to all of the volunteers and coaches involved in the club. Without your dedication to the club we would not be able to build one of the finest select soccer clubs in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Welcome again all of you and I look forward to watching our players take care of things come game time. I will see you on the pitch. If you are looking for a great select soccer club in Keller, Southlake, Ft. Worth, or the many other cities around us, don't be a stranger, come talk with us.

Coach Paul.

Odyssey, It's All Good!

Odyssey Soccer Club's roots go back to 1994. The club was formed by Paul Gallagher. Born in Dublin Ireland, Paul played Division 1 youth soccer for Belvedere Football Club and Saint Malachy's Football Club. He later played semipro with Dundalk Town.

Paul came to North Texas in 1994 and began coaching select soccer in the Lake Highlands, Arlington and Plano Leagues. He has coached in the ODP program and is a North Texas staff coach. In 1995 Paul founded International Soccer Skills, a school of excellence (ISS) providing skills training and camps to DFW area teams. He joined Alliance Soccer club (now Odyssey Soccer Club) in 1996 as the Director of Coaching. He currently holds that position along with Girl's Coaching Director and Odyssey Soccer Academy Director. His father, Paddy Gallagher, joined the club in 2000 after a long and respected career in international soccer. Among other accomplishments, Paddy is the former Head Coach of the Irish Womens National Team.

Odyssey has grown tremendously since those formative years and has become one of the premier select soccer clubs in Tarrant County. One of the club's goals is to offer players from Ft. Worth, Keller, Southlake, Grapevine, N. Richland Hills, Colleyville and other northern Tarrant County cities an opportunity to play a regional and national schedule that gives wide exposure to the highest levels of the youth game. The club was founded for the elite player, and strives to place these players with knowledgeable and motivated coaches.

Odyssey has other goals beyond developing "powerhouse" soccer teams. One such major goal is to build a family type atmosphere where children, young adults, and their families are encouraged to come and visit and get to know others within their community. Odyssey holds regular social events at the newly opended Odyssey Soccer Complex to bring everyone together for fun and harmony.

Odyssey is a not-for-profit organization and enjoys a 501 (c)(3) designation under the IRS Not-For Profit structure. They are dedicated to serving the needs of the more committed soccer player by providing the highest level of instruction available thereby preparing him or her to be a proud representative of the Club at local, state and regional competitions. Odyssey strives to produce confident players who have not only reached their full athletic potential but are also prepared to become active and productive members of their community.

Odyssey Objectives & Mission

The mission of Odyssey is to develop great people and enhance the communities in which they operate through soccer. The vision of Odyssey is to prepare young players how to play soccer both technically and tactically, in a safe and constructive environment while participating at the highest level of competition.

Odyssey Soccer Club also prepares players to be successful scholar-athletes in high school and college through education on healthy lifestyle choices and the college recruiting process. Odyssey will be recognized as a community leader for player participation in club sponsored outreach programs; activities for helping at-risk youth; and as the sponsor of a nationally respected, annual soccer tournament, the Keller Classic.

Odyssey Philosophy

Odyssey was established for the specific purpose of developing a competitive youth soccer program whose goals are to achieve state, regional, and national soccer championship titles, as well as developing players capable of receiving college scholarships based on their playing ability and academic achievement. However, realization of these goals must be accomplished within the proper framework by instilling character, self-esteem, confidence, and sportsmanship within the youth athlete.

Achievement of these lofty and worthwhile objectives within the appropriate environment can only be reached through the mature behavior and the exemplary conduct of the coaches, parents, and officials of the Club. Their relationship with the players must be of the highest ethical and moral standards and be based upon concern and just principles that ensure equitable treatment prevails in all circumstances.

An aggressive desire for victory combined with the procedural and graduated development of soccer skills through exceptional coaching and advanced training techniques is of paramount importance. Nevertheless, realization by all that soccer remains only a game is an inherent aspect of the philosophy of the Club that must always be recognized.

Odyssey and their coaching staff strive to attract players and parents with these common interests:

• creating an environment in which players can reach their full potential and achieve the self-confidence and positive self-esteem necessary to be successful both on and off the soccer field.
• creating a fun, family oriented environment to develop harmony and sense of community within the North Texas Region.
• developing individual skills, and team tactics to enable players and/or teams to compete at the state, regional, and national level.
• preparing and assisting college bound players in obtaining playing opportunities and scholarships.
• guidance of prospective college student-athletes and young professionals.
• promoting the game of soccer.

Odyssey Expectations

What Odyssey expects of you.... 

• A personal commitment to become the very best soccer player you can be, given your ability. This commitment includes giving your top efforts in all team events such as training sessions, games and tournaments.
• A personal commitment to the Club and your Team as a top priority in athletic endeavors.
• A personal commitment to achieve academic success in the classroom to the best of your abilities.
• A personal commitment to represent yourself in a professional manner at all times.

What you can expect as a member of Odyssey.....

Odyssey has developed into one of the premier youth soccer clubs in Texas. The most obvious difference is our trademark style of play....solid team tactics integrated with solid individual technical skills. While we emphasize the importance of winning soccer games, from a coaching stand point, long term player development comes first. Our approach can be difficult, and perhaps filled with peaks and valleys, however, the long term results are very rewarding.