YALD. The Podcast (hosted by Aldo B. Martin).

YALD's founder, Carlos, rejoins us for this episode.  He tells us about some of the obstacles that YALD has faced in the recent past.  Carlos talks to us about aspirations to take YALD beyond the field, but then was met with roadblocks.  Regardless of the setbacks, he and the program continue for forge their way to create an impact.  It should be noted that Carlos became discouraged by the setbacks, but then was quickly remind...

In this episode, we speak with Eduardo.  Eduardo is a former participant and joined the program when he was about 15 years old as a high school student.  He is currently a sophomore at Boston College.  Although he has aged out of the program, he still remembers the program with fondness.  He talks to us about the personal growth that he's experienced while being a member of the program.  He tells us about some of his favorite ...

In this episode, we speak with Kelvin Valentin aka Chewy.  Chewy wears many hats with the program.  He is the head referee and so much more.  He sits down with us and offers his thoughts on the podcast and on the people that have spoken thus far.  He even turns the tables and asks the host a few questions. 

For more information, visit YALD.org

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In our third and final segment of our conversation with Fernando, he tells us what makes YALD such a unique program.   He talks to us about coaching one of the first females to participate in the program.   Coach Adalberto stopped by and gave us some of this thoughts and recollections.   He and Fernando discuss some of the moments of the 2019 championship game.   The nature of the conversation encapsulates the spirit of the program...

In the second part of our conversation with Fernando, Carlos tells us the story of a time when he's had to make a tough decision regarding one of the program's participants.  As it turns out, the story is essential to understanding YALD's culture and expectations for its participants.  Fernando echoes the sentiment and describes the programs values in his own words.  

For more information, visit YALD.org

Other Podcasts...

Today we speak with Fernando Portilla.  He also goes by the name Coach Fern.  He's been affiliated with YALD for the past several years.  He talks to us about how he joined the program and why.    Carlos tells us a  little bit about the process of selecting a new coach into the program, and how Fernando fit the mold.  Fernando tells us about his passion for coaching youth sports and how the environment that YALD had already es...

In our second and final installment with Coach Jay,  he tells us more about the relationship that he's developed with the kids in the program.  Carlos, who joined us for this conversation,  tells us about some breakthrough moments that he and Coach Jay had with one of the kids in particular.  Coach Jay and Carlos tell us how YALD isn't just about playing flag football, but it is an opportunity to serve. 

Some of...

Today we speak with Jason Cedeno, also known as Coach Jay.  He's been affiliated with YALD since the beginning.  He talks to us about his impression of the program when first joined.  According to Jason, he thought that the program was going to be "one and done."  However, up witnessing the dedication of those around him and experiencing an unexpected level of fun, Jason has been a staple with the program ever since....

Today we speak with Rafael and Joseph otherwise known as Ralph and Flash.  Both of these young men were  part of YALD when they were younger.   They speak to us about their experiences on the field and some of their favorite memories.  They explain the different lessons that they've learned over the years and how this has translated into their current lives.  They also talk to us about the "Turkey Bowl" and how that ...

Today we meet Leo, who is one of YALD's volunteers.  He talks to us about being a big brother, a mentor, a volunteer, and a coach within the organization.  Leo talks to us about expectations and interactions with people.  Leo sees things from a very pragmatic point of view and it is visible through his interactions with the young people in the program.  He explains to us why he volunteers year in and year out.  He also tells u...

Today we speak with Miguel, otherwise known as Micky.  Miguel is one of YALD's pillars as he has been a coach with the organization since the beginning.  Miguel tells us about about how he came on board with the program.  In addition to coach many kids over the years, he also coached his son in the program.  Interestedly enough, even though his son aged out, Miguel still remained with the program for the love of interacting an...

In our second installment of our conversation with Miguel, he tells us about some of his most memorable coaching opponents.  He tells us who his biggest rival is in the organization.  In addition to the head coaches, there are assistant coaches.  Miguel's oldest son, a YALD alumni, is now his assistant coach.  He tells us a little bit about that experience.  Miguel believes in building up the confidence of all of the kids in t...

In this episode, which is part 2 of Sean's conversation, he begins to explain to us how YALD has helped to shape him into who he is today.  Sean doesn't speak much about football in this interview.  Instead, he speaks more about his experience and what he's learned during his time with the organization. 
 
 For more information or to get involved, visit https://yald.org

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Today we speak with Sean who is a former player for the organization.  Carlos, YALD's founder, and Chewy, the head referee join Sean in this episode.  Sean tells us about how he got involved with the organization.   
 
 For more information or to get involved, visit https://yald.org

Other Podcasts by Aldo B. Martin

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In our third and final installment with Sean, Carlos reflects and recounts his perspective on watching Sean's development over the years.  Carlos comments on Sean's character growth and ensuing leadership skills.  This growth is what lead him to  engage with his teammates in a more meaningful way. 
 
 For more information or to get involved, visit https://yald.org 

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Finding...

Kevin is, yet another, volunteer coach with the program.  However, he is also a YALD alumni.  Kevin originally joined the program as a teenager, where he played, and according to himself and others, caused havoc on the field.  Kevin is now an adult with all of the responsibilities that come with adulthood.  Kevin credits everything about himself, and his character to YALD.  He claims that the biggest lessons that he's learned ...

Today we speak with Luis, a volunteer coach with the program.  As chance would have it, he is the newest member to the coaching staff.  Luis did not participate in the program as a youth.  During the pandemic, Luis looked for an opportunity to make an impact in his neighborhood.  His search led him to YALD.  Luis speaks to us about his impression of the program and why he joined. 

For more information or to get involved, ...

Adalberto joins us today.  He is one of YALD's volunteer coaches and has been for years.  Most of the kids call him "Coach Berto."  Joel, one of Adalberto's former players, sat in on today's interview.  Adalberto talks to us about what YALD has meant to him and what it has meant to those around him.

For more information or to get involved, visit https://yald.org

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...

Today, we speak with Joel.  Joel is a former player with the organization.  He joined as a 15 year old high school student.  He is now a college, division 1, student athlete.  Joel relished the opportunity to sit down with us and recount his time with the program and his fondest memories.  Joel describes himself as an athletic kid who liked sports when he was younger.  However, upon joining YALD his athletic ability thrived within ...