Garland Sanchez used to be the loudest voice in the stands. Cheering. Encouraging. Celebrating every touchdown like it was to win the Super Bowl.
“I was one of those parents,” Garland says with a laugh.
But after one game, something changed.
As he walked over to thank the volunteer coach – something he made a habit of doing – the coach stopped him.
He, of course, had noticed Garland. And he had a question.
"Would you want to help coach next season?"
Garland didn’t hesitate.
That moment – a simple conversation after a youth flag football game – turned into something much bigger for Garland and the young athletes and their families on his team.
Garland's Passion for Sports
Garland grew up in St. Paul, splitting his time between Midway and the east side. He was “definitely a sports kid.”
Garland was also an outside kid, meaning he wasn't watching television or playing video games under a roof.
Pickup basketball games in hoops in the driveway. Football in the yard. Neighborhood kids showing up to play.
“Ours was the house that all the kids came to,” he says.
At Harding High School, he played both football and basketball, earning a starting role and once making a game-saving tackle that landed him in the newspaper.
“I remember sitting in the cafeteria, checking the box scores in the newspaper,” he says.
Sports weren’t just something he did. They were part of who he was. Years later, that same love of sports showed up again – this time through his kids.
Garland and his wife, now married 11 years, have three children. Their oldest is active in soccer and the arts. Their two younger sons? Football, basketball – whatever they can play.
“It’s a well-rounded sports family,” he says.
Like many parents, Garland started in the stands. But once he stepped into coaching, something clicked.
“I’m absolutely in love with it,” he says.
From the Stands to the Sidelines
Garland coaches youth flag football through the YMCA, working with kids as young as six, seven and eight years old. At that age, wins and losses aren’t the point. Confidence is.
“I like to build leaders,” he says. “I like to instill confidence and just get them to go out there and compete.”
His style is less about discipline and more about motivation. Working hard. Smiling. Learning how to be part of a team.
“Leave it all out there,” he tells them.
And enjoy it.
What stands out most to Garland isn’t just what happens on the field. It’s what happens around it: the relationships, the families.
“You connect with parents," he says. "You connect with players."
Teammates become friends. Families from different neighborhoods stay connected.
“We’ve become almost best friends with some of these families,” he says.
For Garland, the YMCA hits a sweet spot. It’s competitive, but not overwhelming. Structured, but not consuming.
“I feel like the Y is right in the middle,” he says.
Kids can learn, improve and compete, but there isn't pressure to be perfect.
“You don’t have to be the absolute best at six, seven or eight years old,” he says.
Instead, they get something just as valuable: A chance to grow. Garland's approach impresses Josh Schoaf, the executive director of sports at the YMCA of the North.
“Garland Sanchez represents everything we hope for in a volunteer – he shows up with heart, leads with purpose, and coaches every kid like they’re his own,” Schoaf says. "In the YMCA of the North Vikings Flag Football program, he isn’t just building better players – he’s building confidence, character, and a true love for the game. He’s the standard of what a great coach and dad looks like.”
Garland still thinks about that first coach – the one who invited him in.
“Shout out to Coach Dan,” he says.
Watching the time and energy that coach gave – not for recognition, but for the kids – left an impression.
“If I didn’t go and thank him after those games,” Garland says, “I probably wouldn’t be doing this today.”