By Kiara Doyal, The Seattle Medium
Since 2017, Meegan Prince, registrar for the Northwest Premier Junior Football League, has evolved within the life of youth football and has taken on many different roles and responsibilities in a relatively short period.
Starting out as a team mom, Prince quickly saw the need to use her organizational skills and attention to detail to fill an important role in the organization. At the time, the team didn’t have a registrar, which caused her son’s team, the Benson Bruins 6U, to face hardships and challenges that were difficult for both players and parents.
“About five games into the season, we learned that we inadvertently had a kiddo on our team whose birthday made him ineligible for the age group,” says Prince. “Our team was undefeated, but we had to take forfeits for all those wins because of that. Understandably, everyone was upset about it, and we learned that that was the responsibility of a team registrar, which we didn’t have. So that was probably where I really became more involved with Benson and the board.”
While the organization is a mainstay among youth football teams in the area, Benson, at the time, was undergoing transitions in leadership. Prince, along with a few other eager volunteers, stepped up and took on tasks and roles essential for youth programs like the Benson Bruins to survive.
“It was kind of like that year was a changing of the guards,” says Prince. “Where we had two amazing women also helping out with running the organization for 10-plus years who were transitioning out. And so, it was a whole new group of these brand-new, enthusiastic parents like myself, and we kind of took over at that point.”
“I wanted to make sure that I did my part to make sure that we didn’t find ourselves in that situation again, having to forfeit games,” she added.
Jennifer Jackson, a former Benson Bruins colleague of Prince, says she had the privilege of volunteering alongside Prince since 2018 and claimed that Prince is truly a beautiful soul.
“Meegan was the secretary, and as a new sports mom, she made us all feel welcomed,” said Jackson. “During her time as the secretary of the organization, I had the opportunity to see her in action.
Meegan not only coordinated registration for the organization but helped facilitate board meetings, coordinate volunteers, be in partnership with the league, and made it a point to connect with every age group in the organization—whether that be youth, parents, or coaches, usually all three.”
After her time with Benson, Prince made a significant leap in the world of youth sports by accepting a major role as the registrar for the entire Northwest Premier Junior Football League.
“In early 2023, I stepped away from Benson to take on the role that I currently have with the league, as the Registrar for Northwest Premier,” says Prince. “To think I started just a few months into my experience with Benson in 2017, and now I do that for the entire league—it’s been a huge area of growth for me!”
While Prince’s responsibility overseeing the entire league is extensive, she explained that her workload actually lightens once the season is in full swing.
“It’s one of the few roles where a lot of my work happens before the season. I am really busy in the months leading up to the start, but then my workload actually slows down a bit during the season,” she shared.
Prince also sees her role as an opportunity to provide a safe space for youth who may be facing challenges outside the game. She believes that youth sports—and football especially—play an essential role as a safe haven for many kids.
“These kids are able to operate in a structured environment, learn teamwork, and face challenges and adversity, which brings huge benefits,” says Prince. “Seeing the transformation in kids who have gone through these football programs is the most important part of youth football.”
Another key benefit of youth football, according to Prince, is how it brings families together. Whether it’s players, siblings, or extended family members, Prince emphasizes that families share in the rewards of youth football.
“Families come together to support their player, but many also get involved as volunteers or coaches,” she explains. “These football programs have become an incredible platform for families to bond and meet other families.”
For Prince, this strong sense of community is one of the greatest rewards of her work, and she values the friendships and connections that develop within the program.
“You spend so much time with these people and really develop meaningful relationships. These youth football groups have become families—sometimes dysfunctional families—but overall, it’s a pretty beautiful thing that we have in our community.”
Jackson admires these qualities in Prince and says her dedication to youth football is exceptional.
“Her support of youth football has been immeasurable, and her willingness to stay involved even after her son aged out is proof that she has a heart of gold,” says Jackson. “I learned so much from her and am honored to call her a friend.”
Reflecting on her journey, Prince is grateful for the chance to make a difference for so many young players and their families. Her growth from team mom to league registrar has been marked by a dedication to keeping youth football accessible and organized, ensuring that every child can play in a supportive, structured environment.
“When I first started, I didn’t realize how meaningful this role would become, not only for me but for the kids and their families,” she says. “Each season brings new challenges, but seeing the kids’ growth and the strength of the community makes it all worth it.”
Prince remains committed to her mission of supporting the players, families, and community she serves and looks forward to the coming seasons, where she hopes to continue building a positive environment for young athletes.
“Her support of youth football has been immeasurable, and her willingness to be present even when her son has aged out is proof that she has a heart of gold. I learned so much from her and am honored to call her a friend,” Jackson concluded.
