New York Life has launched “The Assist,” a short-form docuseries that tells the stories behind three U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) players—and more importantly, the coaches, mentors, and family members who helped them get there. For youth soccer parents navigating the often-overwhelming club system, the series offers a powerful reminder that development isn’t just about elite training facilities or the most expensive programs—it’s about the people who believe in your kid when they’re still figuring it out.
The docuseries, which debuted at www.newyorklife.com/theassist, features USMNT players Tyler Adams, Tim Ream, and Matt Turner sharing stories about the relationships that shaped their careers.
Featured Players and Their Support Systems
Tim Ream returns to the St. Louis warehouse where coaches Tommy Howe and Kevin Kalish built the fundamentals that still define his game today. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the many coaches, mentors, teammates and family members who believed in me on this journey,” said Ream, a captain of the USMNT. “I’m proud to be part of New York Life’s ‘The Assist’ because it honors those relationships and highlights the importance of having a strong support system to help you achieve your dreams”. Away from the field, Ream credits his wife, whose perspective and support have helped him sustain one of the longest careers in U.S. soccer.
Tyler Adams reconnects with former teammate Bradley Wright-Phillips, who set the standard when Adams first entered a professional locker room as just a 15-year-old rookie. The series also highlights Adams’ relationship with his brothers, who pushed each other to be better throughout their development.
Matt Turner shares his journey from walk-on goalkeeper to international star, supported by coach Javier Decima, who helped Turner see his own potential long before he could see it himself. Off the pitch, Turner credits his sisters, who pushed him to get in goal and continued to believe in him all the way to the world stage.
Community Investment and Youth Development
Beyond the video series, New York Life is putting significant resources behind coach and mentor development—committing $15 million over three years through the New York Life Foundation’s Coaching the Future initiative. The investment will partner with organizations developing the next generation of coaches and mentors at all levels of the sport.
Leading up to and during this summer’s international tournament, “The Assist” will also be activated throughout a series of community events, clinics, and other experiences celebrating the USMNT and supporting the sport’s continued development.
Message for Parents
For parents investing time and money into their child’s soccer development, the series reinforces what many already know but sometimes forget amid the pressure of competitive youth sports: the relationships matter more than the resume. It’s also an opportunity to share these inspiring stories with their own young players.
Content from “The Assist” will continue to be released across New York Life’s owned and social platforms in the coming weeks surrounding this summer’s competition.