In partnership with the Connecticut Jr. Soccer Association, the Lebanon Soccer Club is happy to participate in Silent Sidelines one weekend each season.

Can I cheer?
Yes! "Silent" means that spectators should refrain from "coaching" from the sidelines and yelling directions to players. Speak in a conversational tone so that comments cannot be heard by players, referees or opponents. But feel free to clap and cheer as players do a great job on the field!

Why?
Players can find it difficult to listen to a coach and multiple spectators while also keeping in mind what they've learned at practice and trusting their own instinct. The Silent Sidelines program was instituted by one such player.

(The below message is a modification of Andrea Duffy's May '02 Presidents Message.)

A mother was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her teenage son. Suddenly the boy bursts into the kitchen.

"Careful! Careful! Put in some more butter! Oh my goodness! You're cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh my! WHERE are we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to STICK! Careful!... CAREFUL! I said CAREFUL! You NEVER listen to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up! Are you crazy? Have you lost your mind? Don't forget to salt them. You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt. USE THE SALT! THE SALT!"

The mother stared at him. "What's wrong with you? You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?" The son calmly replied, "I just wanted to show you what it feels like when I'm trying to play soccer."