GARDEN CITY, NY – September 9, 2025 – The Long Island Rough Riders announced today that General Manager Tanner Sands will step down from his role to pursue a new opportunity outside the club.
Sands’ tenure, spanning both the professional and youth operations, has been marked by innovation, community engagement, and a legacy synonymous with Long Island soccer.
Sands began his Rough Riders journey bridging youth development and professional management, gradually building a model of success admired league-wide – earning USL League Two Executive of the Year in 2022. He has fostered relationships across soccer’s ecosystem, culminating in landmark agreements such as the club’s recent adidas partnership and driving initiatives that expanded access, programming, and visibility for local players.
“Tanner’s impact on Long Island soccer is immeasurable,” Rough Riders President Peter Zaratin said. “He exemplified the best of what our club—and American soccer—stands for: passion for the game and unwavering community support.”
As the Rough Riders begin the search for a new general manager, the club is committed to upholding Sands’ values: dedication to youth, investment in community, and a drive for long-term success.
The Rough Riders thank Tanner Sands for his service and congratulate him on this exciting next step. The search for a new general manager will prioritize candidates who share his values and community-first ethos.
About the Long Island Rough Riders
The Long Island Rough Riders, founded in 1994, are a pillar of soccer in the region and a USL affiliate club. In addition to its men’s and women’s teams, the club offers elite youth programs, camps, and community initiatives dedicated to expanding the reach and impact of soccer across Long Island.
