FRESNO, Calif. – Central Valley Fuego FC announced on Thursday it has signed defender William Gillingham as the club builds its roster for its inaugural 2022 USL League One season. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Born in London, England and raised in Auckland, New Zealand, Gillingham played collegiately at UC Santa Barbara. Across four seasons with the Gauchos, he recorded 66 appearances, 44 starts, one goal, three assists, and captained between 2020-21.

“I am extremely excited and eager to start playing with Fuego FC. I have heard amazing things about the role football plays in this community and the passionate fanbase that Fuego has had in the past,” said Gillingham. “I can’t wait to play in front of the Fuego Familia and represent the Central Valley in League One!”

At the club level, Gillingham played for both the reserve and first team with Onehunga Sports U-19. He helped his team win the National Satellite Tournament. He also competed in the Manchester United Premier Cup and Nike Cup and qualified for the World Finals at Carrington. Gillingham was on the New Zealand Football U-23 Olympic Squad’s long list in 2019.