Edwards Retires to Take on Coaching Roles, Watson Returns as Youth Development Director
- Retiring Bobby Edwards Shifts to the Sideline as Assistant Goalkeeper Coach Under Returning Goalkeeper Coach Andy Swift;
- Former Captain Matt Watson Returns to Indiana’s Team as Director, Youth Development & Club Liaison;
- Josh Frankham Named Club’s Head Athletic Trainer in Partnership with Community Health Network
Indy Eleven today announced three personnel hires on the sporting side of the organization, two of which see former players continuing their career paths with Indiana’s Team.
Bobby Edwards has announced he will retire as a player citing personal reasons, effective immediately; however, he will stay on with the club as its Assistant Goalkeeper Coach while also assuming the role of Director of Goalkeeping for Indiana Fire Juniors’ MLS NEXT Academy. In his new position with the Eleven, Edwards will serve under Head Coach Mark Lowry and Goalkeeper Coach Andy Swift, the latter of whom returns for his fifth season with the club in 2022.
Indy Eleven will also welcome back former captain Matt Watson, who has assumed the role of Director, Youth Development & Club Liaison. Finally, the continuing partnership between Indy Eleven and Community Health Network – the official Sports Medicine Provider of Indy Eleven since the club’s establishment in 2013 – has seen Josh Frankham named as the Head Athletic Trainer for the USL Championship side.
“As we continue to build our organization, we try to add personnel that we feel can help us win a championship and also help grow our business. These latest staffing updates add more value to what we do both on and off the field,” explained Greg Stremlaw, President & CEO of Indy Eleven. “I am particularly excited when Indy Eleven is able to work with our professional players and help them in their career transitions after their playing career is over. We are very fortunate to have great relationships with our players that enable us to help find ‘win-win’ scenarios, and this is certainly the case specific to both Matt and Bobby.”
Edwards moves from the field to the sidelines after three professional seasons. The New Jersey native starts his coaching career in Central Indiana after playing the 2021 campaign with Indy Eleven, which was preceded by time with Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati in 2020 and Northern Ireland NIFL Championship squad Portadown FC in 2019.
“I am truly honored to accept this role and want to express my deepest gratitude to the entire organization for entrusting me with this position. As a player, it has been nothing but a privilege to represent this incredible club, community, and city,” said Edwards. “I could not be more excited to begin this new chapter. I’ll look to draw from my experiences throughout my career to inspire and mentor the next generation of great Indy Eleven goalkeepers and help guide them to success on and off the pitch. Though my role has changed my commitment to this club has not. I leave my playing career behind me with complete peace of mind knowing I will play a part in writing stories that can be far more exciting than mine.”
After ending his 15-year playing career as Indy Eleven’s captain from 2018-20, Watson remained in the Indianapolis area while pursuing USSF Coaching Licenses and returns to Indiana’s Team after serving as the Academy Director for Greenwood-based South Central Soccer Academy (SCSA) in 2021. In his role as Director, Youth Development & Club Liaison, Watson will be responsible for implementing and growing Indy Eleven’s Camps & Clinics program and spearheading relationships between the organization and soccer clubs across the Hoosier State.
“I’m really excited to be back as part of the organization. It feels like the place I am supposed to be, and I’m thrilled to help grow the game here in Indiana,” said Watson, a native of Redditch, England, who came to the United States to play collegiately in 2004. “I’m very thankful to Greg Stremlaw and Phil Presser for putting their trust in me, and I am very eager to soak up as much knowledge as I can from Mark Lowry, Matt Williams, and Gabe Zapponi.”
Frankham, a certified Athletic Trainer licensed in the State of Indiana, is no stranger to the Indy Eleven family, as he spent 2021 serving as the Head Athletic Trainer for the club’s burgeoning USL Academy program. In addition, Frankham knows the grounds of Grand Park well after working the last three years in a similar capacity with the Indiana Fire Juniors program. A native of England, Frankham grew up playing in the youth system of Birmingham FC until the age of 18, when he moved stateside to continue his playing career in Southern Indiana at Oakland City University. While there, Frankham attained his Bachelors of Science in Physical Education and Health before moving on to Indiana State University to complete his Master’s degree in Athletic Training.
“I’m excited to be a part of the organization with the First Team and to work with this talented group of athletes,” said Frankham. “I look forward to working with the team to ensure the squad stays healthy throughout the entirety of the season.”
The full range of ticket offerings for Indy Eleven’s 2022 season at IUPUI Carroll Stadium – starting with the 2022 home opener on Saturday, April 2, against LA Galaxy II – are now available, including Season Ticket Memberships, single game tickets, special multi-game packages, and an increased portfolio of hospitality options. To get full details and purchase tickets, visit indyeleven.com/tickets, or call 317-685-1100 during regular business hours.
