Our Leadership Team

Carlos Velasco

Carlos Enrique Velasco Coronado was born in Quinindé, Ecuador, and developed his passion for soccer in Guayaquil, where he played competitively throughout his youth. After competing in local academies and youth leagues, he advanced to collegiate soccer at Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral (ESPOL) and played in Ecuador’s Second Division with Deportivo Everest and Club Deportivo ADN. He later continued his collegiate career in the United States at Lindenwood University (NAIA) and Fresno Pacific University, competing at a high level while gaining valuable international experience.
Carlos began his coaching career in 2007 at Fresno Pacific University, where he worked with the Sunbirds School of Soccer and later served as Assistant Coach for the Men’s Soccer Program from 2007 to 2013. During that time, he helped develop collegiate athletes while building a strong foundation in player development, tactical organization, and high-performance training environments.
In 2020, he founded FC Fresno Academy with the vision of raising the standard of youth soccer development in the Central Valley. He has coached players from U-9 to U-16 and organized international competition experiences throughout Europe. His continued coach education includes training visits and professional observation at clubs such as Real Madrid, Benfica, Real Betis, Espanyol, and Dinamo Zagreb, integrating international methodology into the academy’s development model.
Founder & Academy C.E.O

Manuel Crespo

Manuel J. Crespo García is a UEFA PRO licensed coach with extensive international experience in professional and youth development environments across Europe and South America. Throughout his career, he has held key technical leadership roles, including serving as Head of Youth Football at Colo-Colo, one of Chile’s most historic clubs. His background also includes work within elite Spanish football structures, bringing a deep understanding of high-performance methodology and long-term player development.
With academic preparation in Physical Education and formal credentials as a Professor and Sporting Director certified by the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), Manuel combines tactical expertise, educational leadership, and organizational vision. His experience spans technical direction, coach education, and the implementation of structured development models aligned with professional club standards.
As Director of Coaching for FC Fresno Academy, Manuel oversees the club’s technical framework, mentoring coaches and guiding the academy’s player development philosophy. His leadership ensures that training methodology, game models, and developmental pathways reflect international standards, elevating the competitive and educational environment for every player within the academy.
Director of Coaching

Marcos Alvarez

Marcos Álvarez is a highly respected Spanish performance specialist with extensive experience in elite European football. Throughout his career, he has worked within top professional environments, contributing to high-performance structures at the highest levels of the game, including experience in Premier League football with Chelsea FC. His expertise in physical preparation, performance optimization, and competitive readiness has been instrumental in supporting team success.
With a strong background in sports science and modern training methodology, Marcos is known for integrating data-driven performance analysis with practical, on-field application. His work focuses on developing complete athletes — improving speed, strength, conditioning, injury prevention, and overall match performance — while aligning physical preparation with tactical demands.
As the new Director of Development for FC Fresno Academy, Marcos Álvarez brings international-level standards to the club’s long-term player pathway. He oversees the academy’s performance model, ensuring that players develop physically, athletically, and professionally in alignment with elite global benchmarks. His leadership elevates the academy’s commitment to preparing athletes for the highest levels of competition.
Director of Development