Region 285 will be observing SILENT SATURDAY on October 5th & 6th. Endorsed by the AYSO National Office, Silent Saturday is a chance to let players communicate WITHOUT the assistance of a coach, parent or others from the sidelines during play. Historically when we have asked players their perspective of Silent Saturday they responded they wished we did this event more often. This is a good chance to promote communication, teamwork and trust among the players.  

Our Regional Board Members and staff will be onsite at the fields throughout the day to ensure this is enforced and will be expecting every coach / asst coach / and spectators to honor this important initiative. 

Click here for an important video that describes more about this from Scott Gimple, AYSO's Director of Player Development, from an appearance on the Hallmark Channel's "Home & Family."

Please honor the game and remember that respect starts with you and me when we create an environment for our children to play without all the distractions from the sidelines.

Thank you.

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Silent Saturday October 5, 2024
The Objectives of Silent Saturday

- To give players a chance to trust their skills and instincts without sideline input, and without concern that their mistakes will be corrected from the sidelines in a game environment.
- To foster leadership skills among the individual players as they have the unique opportunity ofgiving (your) instruction on the field.
- To foster a sense of true teamwork as the players must learn to rely upon one another and communicate with each other accordingly.
- To remind coaches, parents, and players that PRACTICE is the time for instruction.  Games are the showcases for learning.
- To remind everyone that youth soccer is primarily for the purpose of kids playing, learning and having fun.
- To support our youth referees.