The National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), a 100% member-owned organization, is proud to announce that Central Valley Fuego Fútbol Club has joined the league. The club has already joined the league as a member and will begin play in the 2027 season.\n\n

“Fuego FC is an incredible addition to our league,” NPSL Managing Director Cindy Spera said. “Along with their success on the field, the Fuego FC management team is aligned with the business philosophy of the NPSL with regards to club ownership and member-driven governance.  We welcome them to the league as a competitive team and a strong business partner.”\n\n

The team is led by Club President Brian Easler, Co-Founder Alfredo Guzman, Managing Partner Angel Ruelas, and General Manager Juan Gerardo Ruelas Jr.\n\n

Easler joined Fuego FC in 2025, bringing extensive experience in business development, sales, strategic partnerships, technology, beach soccer, and sports program development. His focus on sustainable growth, revenue generation, and expanding opportunities throughout the Central Valley has made him a driving force behind the club’s long-term vision and continued evolution.\n\n

“We chose to join the NPSL because we believe the league is moving in a direction that aligns with what we have been looking for since we first began this journey in 2019: a league built for its clubs,” Easler said. “For us, this was never just about finding a place to play games.  It was about finding a group of like-minded clubs that believe in building something together, sharing in the upside of that growth, and creating a structure where clubs are not just participants, but real stakeholders in the future of the league.”\n\n

Guzman, known throughout the community as the “Godfather of Fuego,” is one of the founding figures behind Central Valley Fuego FC.  More than two decades ago, Guzman helped lay the foundation for what the club would become, and he continues to play an important role in its growth, direction, and connection to the local soccer community.\n\n

Angel Ruelas is a local real estate investor, developer, and former professional soccer player. Having played under USMNT legend Jermaine Jones, Angel brings a player’s perspective, competitive mentality, and deep understanding of the game to the club’s leadership group.  In his current role, Angel oversees the day-to-day management of the club on behalf of the Ruelas family, helping guide operations, player-facing decisions, and the continued development of the club’s vision.\n\n

Juan Gerardo Ruelas Jr. previously served as the club’s Managing Partner during its professional era.  A software engineer, real estate investor, and strategic operator, Juan has played a key role in shaping the club’s long-term infrastructure vision. He has been directly involved in the club’s major asset acquisitions, facility planning, and organizational development, while also helping recruit and build out key leadership positions across the club.\n\n

Founded in 2002, Fresno Fuego began as a PDL club and quickly established itself as one of the region’s most recognizable soccer brands.  Through strong performances in the U.S. Open Cup, the club earned opportunities to compete against some of the nation’s top teams.  In 2022, Fuego entered the professional ranks at the USSF third-division level, marking a major milestone in the club’s evolution.\n\n

During its professional era, the club competed for multiple seasons and was led at different points by respected figures in American soccer, including Martin Vasquez and Jermaine Jones.  Following that chapter, the organization restructured with a broader long-term vision: to become a comprehensive sports and development ecosystem for the Central Valley. Today, Fuego operates U-23, U-19, U-15, women’s, beach soccer, youth soccer, and pro-am basketball programs, all designed to create meaningful opportunities for athletes throughout the region. The club’s philosophy is rooted in player development, community engagement, and sustainable growth.  Fuego’s mission extends beyond fielding teams; it is about building infrastructure, creating pathways, and developing a sports ecosystem that can serve players, families, and communities across the Central Valley for generations to come.\n\n

“The NPSL has credibility, history, and strong competition, but what excites us most is the opportunity to be part of a league that can grow with its clubs, not just around them,” Easler said. “For Fuego FC this represents more than a league move.  It represents an opportunity to help build the type of soccer ecosystem we have believed in for years.”\n\n

Fuego FC Joins The NPSL

Following a successful inaugural campaign in 2025 that culminated in a championship, Fuego Basketball is preparing for another exciting season in the Fresno Pro-Am League.\n\n

The club will return with a strong core of players from last year's championship-winning roster while also adding several new faces to strengthen the squad. The combination of returning experience and fresh talent gives the team confidence as it pursues back-to-back titles in 2026.\n\n

Since launching the basketball program, Fuego's objective has been about more than simply competing on the court. The program was created as part of the organization's broader vision to build a multi-sport ecosystem that creates opportunities for athletes, engages the community, and expands the Fuego brand throughout the Central Valley.\n\n

As the organization continues to grow, basketball has become an important piece of that vision. The club remains committed to investing in quality programming, creating competitive opportunities for local athletes, and establishing a culture that reflects the standards Fuego has built across its various sports initiatives.\n\n

The Fresno Pro-Am continues to serve as one of the region's premier summer basketball competitions, bringing together talented players from diverse backgrounds, including former collegiate athletes, current college players, and experienced local talent. Fuego Basketball is excited to once again be part of that environment and compete at a high level.\n\n

With preparations already underway, the team is focused on building chemistry, integrating new additions, and positioning itself for another championship run.\n\n

Stay tuned for player announcements, roster updates, and the official 2026 schedule as Fuego Basketball prepares to take the court once again.

Fuego Basketball Returns for the 2026 Fresno Pro-Am Season

Fuego FC is proud to announce a landmark partnership with Leones Negros, one of Mexico's most historic and respected football institutions. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in creating new opportunities for players, coaches, and families throughout California's Central Valley while strengthening connections between two passionate football communities.\n\n

Leones Negros, based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, has long been recognized as one of Mexico's most iconic clubs. Representing the Universidad de Guadalajara, the club carries a rich tradition of player development, professional competition, and community engagement. Throughout its history, Leones Negros has developed talent that has competed at the highest levels of Mexican football while building one of the country's most loyal fan bases.\n\n

The partnership between Fuego FC and Leones Negros is designed to create meaningful opportunities for player identification, development initiatives, coaching collaboration, and cultural exchange. It also establishes a direct connection between the Central Valley and one of Mexico's premier football organizations.\n\n

For the Central Valley community, this partnership represents much more than football. The region is home to a large and passionate soccer culture with deep ties to Mexico and the sport itself. By working alongside Leones Negros, Fuego FC is creating pathways that allow local players to gain exposure, access new developmental opportunities, and connect with a professional football environment that reflects the heritage and aspirations of many families throughout the region.\n\n

"This partnership is about creating opportunities and expanding what's possible for players in the Central Valley," said Brian Easler, President of Fuego FC. "Leones Negros is an institution with tremendous history, tradition, and credibility in Mexican football. By bringing our organizations together, we're creating a bridge between our community and one of the most respected clubs in Mexico. We believe this partnership will have a lasting impact on player development, community engagement, and the future of soccer in our region."\n\n

As Fuego FC continues to grow its footprint throughout the Central Valley, this partnership reinforces the club's commitment to building meaningful relationships that benefit players, families, and the broader soccer community.\n\n

Additional details regarding future programs, events, player opportunities, and collaborative initiatives will be announced in the coming months.\n\n

Together, Fuego FC and Leones Negros are taking an important step toward creating a stronger future for soccer in the Central Valley and beyond.

Fuego FC and Leones Negros Announce Landmark International Partnership

Fuego FC is proud to officially launch the Fuego Girls Foundation Program, continuing the club’s commitment to growing both girls’ and women’s soccer throughout the Central Valley.\n\n

This new program is designed specifically for girls ages 7–9 and will focus on building strong fundamentals in a positive, all-girls environment. Through structured training sessions led by Fuego staff, players will work on ball control, coordination, confidence, movement, and overall comfort within the game.\n\n

The goal of the program is not only to develop players technically, but also to continue creating more opportunities for girls within soccer locally. As the women’s side of the sport continues to grow, Fuego FC aims to help establish a stronger long-term foundation for the next generation of players in the region.\n\n

Sessions will emphasize:\n\n

• Ball mastery and repetition\n\n
• Fundamental technical development\n\n
• Confidence-building\n\n
• Movement and coordination\n\n
• Positive team environment\n\n
• Enjoyment of the game\n\n

Program Information:\n\n

📅 Dates: May 12th – June 16th\n\n
👧 Ages: 7–9 Years Old\n\n
📍 Location: Blackbeard’s Family Entertainment Center\n\n
🕖 Schedule: Tuesday Nights\n\n

Spots will be limited in order to maintain a strong coach-to-player ratio and ensure each player receives quality attention throughout the program.\n\n

Registration will remain open for a limited time.

2026MembershipsAvailable Now

Latest News

Fuego FC Joins The NPSL

Fuego Basketball Returns for the 2026 Fresno Pro-Am Season

Fuego FC and Leones Negros Announce Landmark International Partnership

Fuego FC Launches New Girls Program

Iconic Moments

Our Partners

Fuego FC - Professional Soccer Club in Fresno, California

2026MembershipsAvailable Now

Latest News

Fuego FC Joins The NPSL

Fuego Basketball Returns for the 2026 Fresno Pro-Am Season

Fuego FC and Leones Negros Announce Landmark International Partnership

Fuego FC Launches New Girls Program

Iconic Moments

Our Partners