Dear Parents & Guardians,
As part of the DDSL’s It’s My Game campaign, our club will be fully supporting the Silent Sideline Weekend taking place on Friday 26th, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September.
The purpose of this initiative is simple:
- To give our players the freedom to play, think, and learn for themselves.
- To allow referees to officiate without unnecessary comment.
- To encourage coaches to coach in a supportive, positive environment.
This aligns directly with our club’s It’s My Game policy – reminding everyone that football belongs to the players. Our role as adults is to create the best possible environment for them to enjoy, develop, and fall in love with the game.
What Silent Sideline means in practice:
- Parents and spectators are asked to remain quiet throughout the games. No shouting instructions, no calling out players’ names.
- Support can still be shown through applause and encouragement at half time and full time.
- If possible, spectator areas will be roped off to create a clear boundary between the pitch and sidelines.
- Coaches will be the only voices giving guidance to players during the game.
We appreciate that this may feel unusual at first, but it is a vital culture change in Irish grassroots football. By embracing it together, we give our children the confidence to make their own decisions, learn from mistakes, and enjoy their football journey.
Let’s support our players the right way:
🤫 Let the players play
🤫 Let the referees referee
🤫 Let the coaches coach
Thank you for your support in making this initiative a success.
Yours in sport,
Lauren McGinn
Lauren McGinn
Chairperson
Drogheda Boys & Girls FC
Drogheda Boys & Girls FC
