PFFMA launches scholarship program to support industry internships
The Professional Football Field Managers Alliance (PFFMA) launched a new scholarship program to support student internships at professional football facilities. This initiative underscores PFFMA’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of sports field managers and advancing excellence across the industry.
The scholarship program is designed to provide emerging professionals with meaningful , hands-on experience working alongside veteran field managers in some of the most prominent sports venues in the country. By facilitating access to real-world learning environments, the program aims to bridge the gap between classroom education and professional practice at the highest level of play.
“Developing future talent is not just a responsibility — it’s an investment in the longevity of our profession,” said PFFMA President Nick Fedewa. “This scholarship program allows us to give back while helping young professionals gain meaningful experience on professional playing surfaces. It’s about preparing tomorrow’s leaders today.”
The program has been made possible through the generous support of industry partners and the collective efforts of the PFFMA membership. Investing in the future of the profession and giving students access to elite-level mentorship helps ensure a sustainable and innovative future for the field management industry.
This initiative reflects PFFMA’s ongoing mission to grow, support and inspire the next generation of sports turf professionals.
The inaugural class of internship scholarship winners includes Richard “Will” Confair, Benjamin Kuiters and Emma Seiver.
Richard “Will” Confair will be graduating this summer from Penn State’s 4-year turfgrass program. After internships with the Steelers and Eagles, his goal is to become a professional football field manager. Confair said his internship goals are to gain valuable experience working with different bermuda cultivars, build new relationships, and continue exploring all the industry has to offer.
Benjamin Kuiters recently graduated from Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with a degree in Sports Turf Management. He will further his education at Iowa State University beginning fall of 2025. His internship goal was to gain hands-on experience with a professional football team and to learn new skills and management techniques for maintaining turfgrass at a professional level. “I am grateful for this internship opportunity, and excited to continue gaining knowledge in the sports turf industry,” he said.
Emma Seiver will be a junior this fall at NC State University, studying turfgrass. Her internship has taught her about maintaining fields to the highest professional standard. “It was rewarding to hear what the players thought of the field after all the work we put into it,” said Seiver.
PFFMA launches inaugural Ring of Honor ceremony
The Professional Football Field Managers Alliance (PFFMA) launched its inaugural Ring of Honor ceremony this year, recognizing the lasting impact and legacy of trailblazing professional football sports field managers. This distinguished new program was created to honor individuals whose careers have shaped the field management profession at the highest level and inspired generations to come.
In this year’s historic debut, three legends were honored: George Toma, widely regarded as the godfather of sports field management; Steve Wightman, known for his pioneering work in field safety and innovation; and Darian Daily, remembered not only for his exceptional skill but also for his mentorship and leadership within the community.
“This program has been a long time in the making, and it’s incredibly meaningful to see it come to life,” said Ken Mrock, PFFMA board member and the driving force behind the Ring of Honor. “These men elevated our profession and helped pave the way for all of us working in the industry today. Honoring their legacy is both a responsibility and a privilege.”
This special recognition reflects PFFMA’s commitment to celebrating excellence, preserving industry history, and paying tribute to those who laid the foundation for the next generation of sports field professionals.