New York Life and U.S. Soccer team up in Tampa.

New York Life | December 12, 2025

Employees, agents and advisors in Tampa, Fla., joined U.S. Soccer to host inclusive youth clinics, connect with local families and celebrate the power of teamwork.

Volunteers from New York Life and Soccer Forward hosted a youth clinic featuring former USMNT players and presented a $10,000 contribution to the Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA). From left: Harrison Laifer, head of Sponsorships, New York Life; Ryan Foley, FYSA; Maria Collins, NYL Foundation; J. Albert Stobbe, Managing Partner, New York Life Tampa General Office; Nora Dooley, Soccer Forward; and Nico Finol, U.S. Soccer Federation.

The spirit of teamwork was on full display recently in Tampa, Fla., where employees, agents and advisors joined forces with the U.S. Soccer Federation, an official partner of New York Life, for a weekend of events celebrating connection, inclusion and community pride. The activities led up to the Impact Match presented by New York Life which saw the U.S. Men’s National Team face off against Uruguay on Nov. 18.

Sunday, Nov. 16: Giving back through the game

Our first Community Impact Event with Soccer Forward, the legacy initiative of U.S. Soccer, brought more than 150 kids to the field for two soccer clinics — one for children with disabilities and another for recreational-level players.

Twenty New York Life volunteers from the Tampa General Office and NYL Direct, our Tampa-based direct-to-consumer marketing organization, traded laptops for soccer balls, helping kids learn new skills, celebrate teamwork, and have fun in a safe, inclusive space.

During the event, the NYL Foundation’s Maria Collins and Tampa General Office Managing Partner J. Albert Stobbe presented a $10,000 joint donation to the Florida Youth Soccer Association — a combination of a $5,000 Volunteers for Good grant and a $5,000 matching contribution from Soccer Forward. The funds will help expand youth soccer programs for girls in the Tampa area.

“When our employees and agents come together in service of local families, it reflects who we are as a company — people who show up when it matters most,” said Collins. “Through this collaboration with Soccer Forward, we’re not just supporting the game; we’re strengthening communities.”

Watch FOX 13 Tampa Bay’s coverage of the event here.

Monday, Nov.17: Learning, leadership and team spirit

The following day, the Tampa General Office hosted a Chalk Talk with Oguchi “Gooch” Onyewu, U.S. Soccer’s Vice President of Sporting and former USMNT player. In conversation with New York Life’s Stobbe, Onyewu shared lessons on leadership, teamwork and resilience.

“Gooch’s journey truly inspired our advisors, staff and managers. Just like entering the financial planning field, his story shows that success comes from being coachable, trusting your team and pushing through challenges,” said Stobbe.

After the discussion, employees and agents had the chance to meet Onyewu, take photos and receive commemorative New York Life-branded scarves, a keepsake of the shared experience and the excitement building toward match day.

Tuesday, Nov. 18: Match day

By game day, the energy was electric. More than 26,000 fans filled Raymond James Stadium for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s commanding 5–1 victory over Uruguay.

Across the stadium, New York Life’s presence helped fans connect both to the game and to each other. Highlights included:

• Four hours of engagement at the NYL Fan Experience, including hosting a meet-and-greet with USMNT legend Brian McBride.
• A special halftime moment where fans held up signs honoring the people who have been their “assist” in life — a powerful reminder of the relationships that sustain us.
• Prime broadcast visibility for New York Life through logo placements and QR code integrations featuring our Behind the Assist campaign, which runs through Nov. 30.

“Our partnership with U.S. Soccer celebrates teamwork, preparation and perseverance — values that define both the game and New York Life,” said Harrison Laifer, head of Sponsorships at New York Life. “Together, we’re creating experiences that bring families and fans together and build memories that last well beyond the final whistle.”