'The Helm' is heard in Paradise

Some fans stomp on the metal bleachers beneath their feet.

Some hold smoke bombs high, proudly watching colorful plumes fill the air.

Others beat on drums without any fear of ripping drumheads or breaking drumsticks, and many fans just use their voice — hoping their chants will carry.

Regardless of who does what, and regardless of the moment in the match, the Sarasota Paradise supporters' group known as “The Helm” never fails to make its presence felt.

No nook or cranny in the stadium at Premier Sports Campus is safe from its sound. The group sets up shop in the bottom of section 203 at the north end of the field and stays from the first whistle to the last of every home match.

Its loyal following — now 30-40 supporters strong — started with a humble two.

Lakewood Ranch residents Nick Myers and David Sterling met at a club-organized fan event in late September 2025. They didn't know each other at the time.

They shared a love for soccer, though, and were equally eager for the Paradise’s first professional season in USL League One.

In their chance meeting, the two exchanged phone numbers and thought about starting a supporters’ group for the team with a “let’s see what happens” attitude about it.

“The fact is that soccer has always been in the back of people’s minds in the United States,” Sterling said. “To have a team show up in a metro area that hasn’t really had exposure, that means a lot to me.”

Photo by Jack Nelson

Myers and Sterling stayed in touch over the following months and gradually welcomed more people into their group as further club events were held. They’ve continued welcoming people with open arms since the season began in March.

The group’s size varies from match to match. Life away from the field gets in the way sometimes. It's the family-friendly atmosphere which keeps bringing people back.

Anyone who’s ready to be loud for 90 minutes or more and potentially lose their voice in the process is embraced by The Helm.

“It’s an inclusive group,” said Matt Hammar of Parrish, who’s also been a West Ham United supporters’ club member since 2013. “Most supporters’ groups at least start out being welcoming and wanting to grow, and I think that this group has proven that.”

The group will support the Paradise by any means necessary. That often means digging into its tote bag of goodies, which includes a megaphone, flag, drumsticks and more.

Roles aren’t assigned like how a coach might put players at positions, though Myers is perpetually on the megaphone as the chants leader. Multiple percussionists are always needed for their makeshift drum kit.

“We didn’t have a snare for a while,” said Justin Miller, a Nokomis resident. “I went to Music Go Round and bought a snare.”

“I’ve broken some drumsticks,” Myers said. “We probably need to increase our supply.”

Those assorted noisemakers are used — or rather, abused — in conjunction with the group's list of chants. There isn’t an extensive thought process behind them, but the clever ones stick.

Sometimes, they come from a spark of creativity, like what Hammar's wife did with the main guitar riff from “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. She turned it into “just a bunch of potatoes” and The Helm levied it against AC Boise on March 7. 

“A lot of them are borrowed, like from other supporters’ groups in Europe or South America,” Sterling said. “But a lot (comes from) laying in bed at 11:45 p.m. when we should be asleep, and Nick and I are texting the group chat, ‘What do you guys think of this?’”

Photo by Jack Nelson

Striking a balance between cheers and taunts is a crucial nuance of what they do. Supporting the Paradise doesn’t mean they shy away from a good old-fashioned jab at the opponent.

Taunts haven’t exceeded “third-grade level,” Miller said, because their group is often surrounded by third graders who taunt the opponent.

That being said, there has been one occasion this season where an opposing supporters’ group almost bumped The Helm’s PG rating to PG-13.

“We haven’t run into another fan club that’s given us the reason to get nasty, except for the (Tampa Bay) Rowdies game,” said Michael Fasulo of Lakewood Ranch. “They basically told us we're the unwanted stepchild, so next year, it could get interesting when they come to us to play.”

The Paradise are 6-13-3 overall and 5-10-3 in USL League One, as of July 25. Some moments have been worth cheering for, but have often proved to be fleeting.

As significant as it is to have a professional soccer club in Lakewood Ranch, this season has largely been defined by struggles.

Sarasota’s supporters’ group can’t dwell on the lows. To do so would violate its fundamental responsibility. Each and every one of them has to keep morale high.

“It’s maybe the hardest part of the job,” Sterling said. “You’re already down a goal, and all of a sudden, you allow another goal and it’s like, ‘Oh my god.’ All of the energy evaporates and we have to somehow be able to lift everyone up.”

Photo by Jack Nelson

The Helm sticks it out. It wants to see the team thrive, but no amount of losses will deter it from supporting the club it loves.

People who didn't know each other beforehand have rallied for the Paradise. They rally still with every stomp of their foot, every clap of their hands and every beat of the drum.

If not for this group, they wouldn't have the friendships they do now.

The Paradise brought them together. The Helm united them.

"It has just become more fun than I expected," Hammar said. "I look forward to these events very much."