Click here to read about the spectators' July Fourth activities.

BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va.  -- When Tab Ramos retired in 2002, the thought of becoming a coach never crossed his mind. Now, seven years later, he's standing on the touchline coaching the U-14 boys team from New Jersey in the U.S. Youth Soccer Region 1 Championships.

Ramos is a legend of United States soccer, playing in several World Cups. In 2005 he was inducted into the hall of fame. Over his career he had 81 caps for the U.S. Men's National team as a midfielder. He played for 13 years in Spain, Mexico and the United States, where he was the first player to sign for the MLS.

On Saturday, his team defeated the U-14 team from New Hampshire. Today they face the U-14 side from West Virginia. If they win today, they are through to the semifinals.

Ramos said it's important that his players enjoy themselves and the competition.

"Everyone is just a kid playing the game and suddenly they find themselves at a high level -- that's a great thing," he said. "The best part of coaching is making kids believe they can do what they thought they couldn't."

Ethan Decker, of Manahawkin, N.J., is a striker on the New Jersey U-14s. He hit in one of the goals Saturday afternoon after he took a free kick.

"It's pretty cool to play under him [Tab]," Decker said. "He's been all over the place as a player."

Decker, who plays for the U-14 National Team, has done some globetrotting of his own, most recently to Italy, his mother, Melissa Decker, said.

"I think it is great for him," she said. "It's also a big deal that he plays for Tab. He's a good coach, and a hard coach."

One of the things parents said they noticed about Ramos is that he stresses discipline during training.

Steven Bond, of Holmdel, N.J., said it's a good thing. His son, Zach, 14, plays midfield on the team.

"The attention and discipline that goes along with the game and training ... it is good preparation for life," he said.

Click here to read about the spectators' July Fourth activities.

BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va.  -- When Tab Ramos retired in 2002, the thought of becoming a coach never crossed his mind. Now, seven years later, he's standing on the touchline coaching the U-14 boys team from New Jersey in the U.S. Youth Soccer Region 1 Championships.

Ramos is a legend of United States soccer, playing in several World Cups. In 2005 he was inducted into the hall of fame. Over his career he had 81 caps for the U.S. Men's National team as a midfielder. He played for 13 years in Spain, Mexico and the United States, where he was the first player to sign for the MLS.

On Saturday, his team defeated the U-14 team from New Hampshire. Today they face the U-14 side from West Virginia. If they win today, they are through to the semifinals.

Ramos said it's important that his players enjoy themselves and the competition.

"Everyone is just a kid playing the game and suddenly they find themselves at a high level -- that's a great thing," he said. "The best part of coaching is making kids believe they can do what they thought they couldn't."

Ethan Decker, of Manahawkin, N.J., is a striker on the New Jersey U-14s. He hit in one of the goals Saturday afternoon after he took a free kick.

"It's pretty cool to play under him [Tab]," Decker said. "He's been all over the place as a player."

Decker, who plays for the U-14 National Team, has done some globetrotting of his own, most recently to Italy, his mother, Melissa Decker, said.

"I think it is great for him," she said. "It's also a big deal that he plays for Tab. He's a good coach, and a hard coach."

One of the things parents said they noticed about Ramos is that he stresses discipline during training.

Steven Bond, of Holmdel, N.J., said it's a good thing. His son, Zach, 14, plays midfield on the team.

"The attention and discipline that goes along with the game and training ... it is good preparation for life," he said.

Bond believes the lessons they've learned from Ramos will stay with them throughout their careers.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for him to be coached by Tab," he said.  "For my son this is a fabulous memory for him to carry for the rest of his life."

Many of the kids on Ramos' team are looking to become professionals. One day Alex Ramos, 14, wants to play in Spain like his dad. His dad played for both Figueres and Real Betis. Alex's dream is to one day play for Real Madrid.

Until then, he's under the watchful eye of his father, which he admitted can be hard sometimes.

"I feel like sometimes I get away with things," he said. "I don't like the feeling that sometimes he doesn't get the best out of me."

Car rides home have a tendency to be tense, he added, but after a little bit, everything is fine.

His dad agreed.  He's not a fan of coaching his son either.

"I'd rather have to yell at my son for not making the bed, rather than not making a run [into the penalty box]," Ramos said.

Alex was integral to the start of his coaching career. He started on a bit of a whim after one of the parents at his son's soccer practices told him he should try coaching. So he took it up.

 He said he'll coach for a few more years. After that, he'll go back to being a parent on the sidelines, cheering on his son and the rest of the team.

Next year, his team will move on to the U-15s. And years later, they will move on to professional careers in soccer, or other areas.

"Some of them are going to be doctors, others will be lawyers, but this is all part of the experience of growing as people," Ramos said.

Reach Jon Offredo at jonoffr...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-5189.