FC Indiana has signed an agreement with the Cayman Islands Football Association (CIFA), designating CIFA as its Caribbean women’s and girl’s football development partner and has promised commitments towards Caymanian women’s teams and players with the establishment of an exchange program.

Founded in 2000, FC Indiana is an American women’s professional soccer club based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. FC Indiana fielded a women’s team in 2004. The team joined the Women Professional Soccer League in 2005 and the W-League in 2008. FC Indiana is one of the most successful clubs, having won two league titles and two Open Cups in five seasons. Additionally, FC Indiana was league runner-ups twice and cup finalists twice. The team has defeated the national teams of Australia, New Zealand, Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico and Canada.

FC Indiana will be coming to Grand Cayman from 8 March 2012 to 17 March 2012 for a pre-season training camp. Whilst on Grand Cayman the team will be training on the beach in the mornings and at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex at 6:00 p.m. The team will also be playing friendly matches against our local women and will be looking at our local talent with the aim of signing a few to professional contracts. One of or local talent that is currently being scouted by FC Indiana is Shenel Gall who is currently away at university. Shenel will be return home to attend the training camp, so that she may be assessed by Shek Borkowski, Head Coach of FC Indiana, and his coaching staff.

Shenel Gall, one of the most promising Caymanian women’s player, is relishing the opportunity. “I have a lot of emotions going on about this tryout, but I am very excited about it.” said Ms. Gall. “This is the opportunity I have been waiting on. I am very thankful for getting this opportunity, and I just want to thank everyone who has put in the effort to make this happen. My goal in football is to achieve the highest level I can take myself too. There is so much out there to learn and take in, and I’m always willing to do that.”

Thiago Cunha, CIFA Women’s Technical Director, has expressed his delight at FC Indiana’s visit. “It is a wonderful opportunity for our women clubs and proves that Caymanian women’s football is stepping up, as we have attracted professional clubs to our islands to scout our players. I am very happy for Shenel Gall being targeted by FC Indiana, as we have been working together to develop her skills since she was eleven years of age. This is also a fantastic opportunity for our women and girl players and coaches to come out to see a professional club train and play.”

Jeffrey Webb, President of the CIFA, stated, “Everyone is delighted with the opportunity to have a professional club joining us to support our women football development, and we are looking forward to making this agreement more productive after this first step.”

FC Indiana will play three games against Cayman Islands women’s teams, as follows, and admission to the matches are free of charge:

INDIANA FC – INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCHES’ SCHEDULE

Monday, 12th March 2012, 6:00pm at Truman Bodden Sports Complex – Elite SC vs. Indiana FC

Thursday, 15th March 2012, 6:00pm at Truman Bodden Sports Complex – Sunset FC vs. Indiana FC

Friday, 16th March 2012, 6:00pm at Truman Bodden Sports Complex – Scholars ISC vs. Indiana FC