In Ryan Sheckler’s world, skateboarding is everything. Sheckler grew up on a skateboard, and at the age of 13, he became the youngest person to win an X Games gold. In 2008 and 2010, he once again secured X Games gold in skateboard street.

Thirty-six now, Sheckler has been competing at the professional level for over 20 years and has an impressive resume.  His countless contest wins over the years include: the Action Sport Tours championship  three times, multiple wins at the Dew Tour, the United States Skateboarding Championships, the Simple Sessions, and the Vans Triple Crown. In 2006, he was crowned Skateboarder of the Year at the Arby’s Action Sports Awards, and in 2010, he won Favorite Male Athlete at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards.

 In addition to contests, Sheckler starred in the MTV-produced reality television series Life of Ryan and four seasons of the Sheckler Sessions on Red Bull TV. In 2008, he helped create a non-profit centered around skateboarding, The Sheckler Foundation. The foundation’s goal is to “utilize the transformative power of skateboarding to enrich the lives of foster youth, adaptive youth, and to inspire confidence, community, and philanthropy in the next generation.”

In 2012, Sheckler had a private indoor training facility built near his home in San Clemente, naming it ‘The Sandlot.’ Beginning in 2014, Sheckler’s brother, Shane, taught skateboard lessons at the center under the name Foot Plant Skate. In 2024, Shane moved out of state, and the skatepark officially rebranded, becoming the Sandlot.

Once the private skatepark became the Sandlot Training Center, they hired new coaches and introduced new programs and events focused on bringing up the next generation of skateboarders. Their mission is simple: To teach skate skills that build confidence on and off the skateboard.

 “We believe skateboarding teaches valuable life lessons about falling down, getting back up again, and never giving up,” says Sandlot Training Center program director Angelique Lamoso Zaki. “Our mantra is ‘skate for life!’”

At the Sandlot Training Center, they offer group skate lessons (no more than seven kids), skate camps, birthday parties, tech sessions, and adult-only lunch hour sessions. The indoor skatepark offers skate features for all skill levels, ranging from beginners to pro skateboarders.

“Ryan couldn’t be happier that his private training facility is a safe, fun place for the next generation of skaters to learn from our incredible team,” says Lamoso Zaki.

Although Sheckler often drops by to train or say hi to the skaters, he’s still competing and isn’t available to coach full-time. The full-time head coach at the Sandlot Training Center is Adrian Lopez. Born and raised in Southern California, Lopez helped redefine urban skateboarding through his technical skill and artistic approach to skating.

 “Adrian is an amazing skater and has a gift working with first-time skaters, as well as bringing out the best in the advanced skater looking to take their skills to the next level,” says Lamoso Zaki.

In addition to Lopez, the center has a handful of other amazing coaches, including Bain Parenteau, Sutton Loughran, Julian Sumpter, and professional skateboarder Jordan Santana. Each coach brings his or her unique style, energy, and ability to connect with the Sandlot youth. The center is incredibly proud of its coaching staff and the kids are stoked on their lessons.

At the Sandlot Training Center, all abilities and skill levels are welcome. The center has hosted skaters who simply want to have a good time, intermediate skaters, and competitive contest-level skaters.

“Whether you are a beginner or advanced, our skilled coaches will help you take your skating to the next level,” says Lamoso Zaki. “We’ve had the privilege of training youth from all over the country.”

Although the Sandlot Training Center is open to everyone, its main clientele is kids between the ages of five and 17. For adults, the center hosts an adult lunch hour session every day from 1pm to 2pm, where adults ages 18 and over can come skate without a coach.

“The Sandlot is more than a skatepark, and it’s much more than skate lessons,” says Lamoso Zaki. “It’s a place where memories and friendships are made through the love of skateboarding. It’s a place where perseverance, camaraderie, and community are the culture. We are a family here at the Sandlot.”