New club forms in emerging soccer market
For Immediate Release
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. & TAMPA, Fla. – The United Soccer League and Fredericksburg City Soccer Club announced today that Fred City will join USL League Two and W League for the 2027 season.
Founded in 2026, the club will look to build upon years of passion for soccer in the Fredericksburg region. Fred City will follow a commitment to player development, organizational excellence, and meaningful community engagement. The club’s ownership group, which features local soccer, business, and civic leaders who aim to build a sustainable organization that will serve the community for generations to come.
“We are not simply launching a soccer club; we are building a professionally managed community institution that will strengthen the Fredericksburg region for decades through player development, community engagement, financial sustainability, and exceptional fan experiences,” said Gilberto Baez, Fred City SC Co-Owner. “Soccer has a unique ability to bring people together and become a part of a community’s identity, and our vision is to create a club that serves as both a source of pride and a gathering place for our region.”
Before Fred City kicks off in May, the club will begin its year-round efforts to engage the community by leading youth soccer clinics and school engagement programs, establishing nonprofit partnerships, and participating in community festivals and charitable service projects. The club will work with the guiding principles of excellence, passion, integrity, opportunity, and respect. Fred City will be led by Jason Graham, former Fredericksburg City Council Member, Victor Fuster, Operating Partner of Riphean Athletics, and Gilberto Baez, former Commonwealth Cardinals FC Founder.
“Fred City represents an exciting opportunity for League Two to engage with a passionate community that is ready to reach its potential as a soccer market,” said Joel Nash, USL SVP of Youth and Pre-Professional Properties. “We look forward to seeing them tap into a talent-rich part of our country while leaning on the experience in their ownership group to create a club for the region to be proud of.”
Fredericksburg City SC will be a member of the Chesapeake Division in USL League Two’s Eastern Conference.
To learn more about Fredericksburg City SC, visit the club’s website, Instagram, X, and Facebook.