Meredith Waropay, NJ Youth Soccer (Photo by Cos Lymperopoulos)

Nelson Ramirez, the longest tenured member of the NJYS Board of Directors, has officially been inducted into the New Jersey Youth Soccer Hall of Fame after having served selflessly for more than 30 years. His “Kids First” dedication to helping youth programs throughout the state has provided countless young people with the opportunity to learn the game of soccer.

Ramirez’s passion for the game started at a young age when he began playing club soccer in Colombia with Millionarios. He later moved to the United States in 1966 and continued to develop his lifelong passion for the game by playing in New Jersey and Long Island Leagues. His trajectory in youth soccer began when he started coaching his daughter’s team in Long Island. Later on, helped found the Mahwah Raiders Soccer Club to give kids a space to enjoy the game in his local community. From there, his involvement grew further by serving as an NJYS Olympic Development Program (ODP) coach.

The commitment by Ramirez to the NJYS Board of Directors began in the 1990’s as a North Area Commissioner, and it escalated to a role as the NJYS First Vice President where he oversaw the NJYS Olympic Development Program (ODP). It was there that he focused on his dream to have 11 players from New Jersey on the field wearing the national team jersey. ODP was also home to one of his fondest memories, which was winning two National Championships with his ODP girls teams.

“It has been very rewarding that we have had kids through the program we have been able to place onto college teams, and now some are professionals,” reflected Ramirez.

Another of his most notable achievements is the work he has done for Just One Soccer League in Newark. The program makes the game available to underserved youth in Newark neighborhoods, providing many kids with a space to enjoy the game and develop their skills.

“Nelson is a big advocate for creating opportunities for the players we serve, and he has revitalized the program,” said Oscar Rodriguez, co-founder of Just One Soccer League. “He has been a driving force in growing what was once a small program in Newark to being recognized nationally. His impact on our organization has been profound, and we are so incredibly grateful to have him on our team.”

In addition, Ramirez helped pioneer NJYS’ Celebration of Soccer, an event that provided underprivileged communities a free and fun soccer experience designed to develop a love of the game.

“Nelson Ramirez’ leadership played a vital role in the Celebration of Soccer Events for our inner-city programs, as well as the global awareness and significant growth of New Jersey Youth Soccer’s Olympic Development Program,'' stated Rick Meana, NJYS Director of Coaching. “It is very rare to find a colleague who has inspired me in the way Nelson has.”

Still a prominent fixture in the game throughout New Jersey, Ramirez currently serves as the NJYS Third Vice President and is the Board of Directors Liaison to the Recreation Growth Advisory Board. He also continues to coach high school and club teams, forever remaining steadfast in his commitment to growing youth soccer and giving back to communities in need.

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