[2] Sands credits SB Futbol's Paul "Brooksie" Brooks as the most influential and important mentor of his youth career.

[4] Sands made his professional debut on September 16, 2017, coming on as a substitute for Andrea Pirlo in a 1–1 draw against Colorado Rapids.

In 2019, Sands became a regular starter for NYCFC, first as a defensive midfielder, and then as the central defender in a three-man back line once New York City FC switched formations.

[6] On January 5, 2022, Sands joined Scottish Premiership side Rangers on an initial 18-month loan deal with an option to buy.

He made a substitute appearance in the 2022 UEFA Europa League final in which Rangers lost to Eintracht Frankfurt in a penalty shootout.