By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
As Northwest Premier Junior Football and Cheer approaches its 10th anniversary, the organization has established itself as a prominent force for youth sports in the Pacific Northwest. At the helm for the past four years is Ed Prince, a Seattle native and Franklin High School graduate, whose leadership has been guided by a commitment to community service and youth development. With this being his last year as president, Prince is reflecting on the league’s growth and the impact it has made on young athletes.
“We at Premier really do our best to put the kids first,” Prince says. “I can say that for everyone on my board and in the franchises. It’s always, ‘Is this going to make it a better experience for the young people? How do we improve what they have going on?’”
Sosaia Toutai, Sr., a football coach with the HEIR Junior football program, says that in addition to prioritizing the best interests of the children, NW Premier provides a safe space for athletes to develop both on and off the field.
“With everything going on in the world, our kids’ safety is the number one priority,” says Toutai. “It’s not just about protecting them from outside dangers but also making sure Northwest Premier is a positive influence. The impact on the community is significant because we’re giving our kids a safer space where they can build a strong foundation beyond football. NW Premier helps bring kids closer together, taking them away from social media, iPads, and phones. It’s a different world than the one we grew up in.”
According to Prince, during his tenure, the organization has worked hard to create opportunities for youth, including the return of its All-Star game and summer combines to test athletic abilities.
“We really try to do what we can for the benefit of the young men and women because they are future leaders,” says Prince.
Prince initially became involved in youth football as a board member for the Benson Bruins, one of NW Premier’s franchises, before taking on the role of president. He explains that his work with NW Premier is more than just a job—it’s a way to give back to the community.
“This was totally something I was doing for community service,” he says. “Even to this day, when I stop by a game—because my son has aged out—I still see young people I’ve connected with, and it’s, ‘Hey, how’s it going?’ Or the really young ones come and give me a hug. If it wasn’t for the kids, I don’t know if I would still be doing it because the impact we have on them is tremendous.”
Over the years, NW Premier has grown into a competitive organization not just regionally but nationwide. It is affiliated with American Youth Football (AYF), the largest youth football organization in the U.S., and has also participated in Snoop Dogg’s Football League. Teams and cheer squads from NW Premier regularly compete in national tournaments, and the league is known for producing athletes who excel at the high school, collegiate, and even professional levels.
“The future of Little League football is so bright,” Prince says confidently. “Northwest Premier is hands down the most competitive football league in the state. You look at the teams that go on to play in national tournaments—HEIR won in 2020, and the Benson Bruins won in 2022. We’re a league of champions, and the future is super bright.”
However, Prince is not just focused on competitions. One of his goals is to provide more development opportunities for both players and coaches.
“What I would like to see is more off-season work, making sure our coaches have the chance to hone their craft with clinics and other training,” says Prince.
Under Prince’s leadership, NW Premier has prioritized not only athletic excellence but also the personal growth of its young participants. The league’s emphasis on mentorship, education, and building a sense of family among teams has been a key part of its success.
“We develop our kids in more ways than just sports,” says Prince. “Mentorship, friendships, academics, becoming the complete student-athlete—it’s all part of what we do, and all of the franchises within the league share these values.”
“Education is vital,” adds Prince. “It’s an essential part of our value system. We leave it to the franchises, but I know most of them have grade checks, and some coaches even go the extra mile by talking to teachers and offering additional support.”
While leading the league has been rewarding, Prince acknowledges that it comes with its own set of challenges. As a nonprofit organization, NW Premier relies heavily on volunteers and donations to keep operations running smoothly, but finding enough volunteers and raising funds are ongoing struggles.
“Our biggest challenges are finding enough volunteers and managing time,” Prince explains. “You always want to make sure you have enough people to help, and in an all-volunteer-run organization, managing time is crucial.”
“As a nonprofit, we do get donations, but member clubs pay league fees, and the rest comes from things like grants or ticket sales to our events,” he added.
Leadership, Prince notes, is about more than just making decisions—it’s about taking responsibility for the well-being of the entire community. For him, leading NW Premier has been an opportunity to serve in a role that impacts hundreds of kids, their parents, and their families.
“I just love serving my community,” Prince says. “There was a need, and I was asked to step in. If you ask me to step in on something, I’m going to do what I can to best serve the community.”
One of the things that Toutai is excited about is the role NW Premier plays in the lives of young athletes and the leadership Prince has shown.
“I love what they’re doing, especially for the kids,” says Toutai. “Of course, there are always rules that some parents or coaches might not agree with, but honestly, the work NW Premier is doing is amazing. Being out here coaching with other coaches and seeing how other organizations operate—those interactions are what I love, especially the connections I make with the kids.”
As Prince prepares to step down from his role as president, his legacy at NW Premier is undeniable. His leadership has not only shaped the league but has left a lasting impact on the countless young athletes who have passed through its programs.
Looking ahead, Prince remains optimistic about the future of NW Premier. With continued investment in coaching development, education, and competition, he believes the league will continue to produce champions on and off the field.