Fresno Fuego fires up rehabilitation at VSP

April 24, 2025

Singer and actor Rauw Alejandro joined the Fresno Fuego for a skills competition at VSP in Chowchilla.

From grilling to sportsmanship, the Fresno Fuego soccer team focused on rehabilitation at Valley State Prison (VSP) in Chowchilla.

The Fresno Fuego held a skills competition with the VSP incarcerated population while the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and Youth Offender Program grilled burgers.

Singer and actor Rauw Alejandro also donned a soccer jersey and kicked the ball with the team.

Watch the video (story continues below):

Acting Warden O’Brian Bailey said the event was about showing appreciation for the blessings VSP has received.

“Going to be a fun day,” he said.

Correctional Officer S. Aguilera, who has been with the department for two decades, said this is a great opportunity for the young soccer players to see what is happening inside the prison. Aguilera is also the head coach for the professional Fresno Fuego team.

“It’s more for the growth for our (players) and for the incarcerated persons as well,” Aguilera said.

S. Randall, one of the players, said being incarcerated doesn’t make someone less of a person.

“We really want to show even if you’re incarcerated, you’re still a person. We’re going to treat you the same,” Randall said.

Video by Chris Medina, Director, TV Communications specialist
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor

Fresno Fuego team visit in photos