FRESNO, CA — The Pinedale Wrestling Club is seeking community help after its primary training mats were removed on Jan. 6, 2026.
The mats were taken following a dispute that caused the club and its coaching staff to split up. According to YourCentralValley.com, the loss of the equipment was a major blow to the program. The club provides free weekly training to about 30 local children and teens aged 5 to 17.
Soon after the equipment was removed, club representative Jose Breceda worked quickly to keep the sessions going for local kids. Breceda borrowed thousands of dollars and traveled to Sacramento to purchase mats he found online. While the new mats allowed practices to start again, the purchase left the club with significant debt.
Organizers started a GoFundMe campaign to pay back the loans used for the mats. They believe replacing the equipment is the only way to keep the club running for years to come.
Funds from the fundraiser will also be used to help expand the facility. Leaders say a larger space will provide a more stable environment for the young athletes and make sure the training stays free for local families as the program grows.
Anyone who wants to help keep the training free can visit the fundraiser online at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-pinedale-youth-replace-wrestling-mats.
