David Woods

david.woods@indystar.com

As the Indy Eleven continue their aggressive approach to capturing the city -- a new stadium proposal, social media, community outreach -- they haven't neglected their first priority: To build a winning team.

The Eleven announced on Thursday the signing of Honduran midfielder Walter Ramirez, 30. He is, coincidentally, the team's 11th signee. Ramirez and Indy defender Erick Norales share the same hometown, La Ceiba.

Players from the Eleven gathered Thursday at the Near Eastside Legacy Center on the Tech High School campus to conduct a clinic for kids and sign autographs. (The attached photo is from a contest of coloring the team logo.) It was the team's first community event and the players' final public appearance before leaving for a 13-day training camp.

About 13 or 14 players trying out will join those already on the team. The Eleven will be in Casa Grande, Ariz., from Saturday until Feb. 10 and then in Tucson until Feb. 13. Scrimmages are set against three MLS clubs: Vancouver Whitecaps (Wednesday), defending MLS Cup champion Sporting Kansas City (Feb. 7) and Portland Timbers (Feb. 12).

The 11th signee, Ramirez, made 51 appearances (44 starts) with San Antonio of the NASL and was chosen to the league's Best XI team in 2012. Ramirez and two other Indy signees, Mike Ambersley and Pedro Mendes, have all played in the NASL.

"Walter Ramirez is a fantastic addition to Indy Eleven, as his dynamic wing play perfectly complements the group we've already assembled," coach Juergen Sommer said in a release from the team. "His service from the flank and willingness to take on defenders should provide great opportunities for our attack, while his entertaining style and personality will certainly endear himself to both his teammates and our fans."

Sommer was at a funeral and could not be at the clinic. Peter Wilt, president and general manager of the Eleven, said the team intends to sign about 20 players for the nine-game spring season.

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Around the pitch:

-- The Near East Soccer Alliance will hold its first-ever spring leagues for boys and girls of ages 4-12. Fee is $40. For information, contact Josh Bowling at joshbowling@jhbcc.org or (317) 423-2000, or register at www.neareastsoccer.com.

-- The Eleven will hold an artist reception Feb. 7 from 6-9 p.m. at the Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St.

-- The Eleven has set March 15 (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) as a Goals For Indy day. The team is encouraging those around the city to play a pickup game in that time slot.

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Contact me at david.woods@indystar.com or call (317) 444-6195. Follow me on Twitter at @DavidWoods007.