How Many Trophies Should I Order for My Youth Sports Team?

Plan on one trophy per player, plus 2-3 additional trophies for coaches and special awards (MVP, Most Improved, etc.). For a typical youth team of 12 players with 2 coaches, you'd order 15-16 trophies total. You should also consider an extra trophy in case of damage during shipping although that's unlikely.

The Standard Team Award Formula

Here's a simple formula to calculate your trophy needs:

• Player trophies: One per team member (including bench players)
• Coach/assistant coach: 1-2 trophies
• Special recognition: 1-3 additional (MVP, Most Improved, Best Sportsmanship, etc.)
• Safety buffer: Add 1-2 extras in case of last-minute roster additions

So for a 12-player team: 12 players + 2 coaches + 2 special awards + 1 extra = 17 trophies.

Participation vs. Tiered Recognition

Many youth leagues follow the "everyone gets a trophy" approach, ensuring every child feels recognized for their participation and effort. This is especially common for younger age groups (under 10) where the focus is on fun, skill development, and building confidence.

For older or more competitive teams, you might consider a tiered approach: participation trophies or medals for all players, plus larger, more distinctive trophies for championship winners or special achievements. This balances recognition with acknowledging exceptional performance.

Don't Forget These Important People

Beyond players and coaches, consider recognizing:

• Team parents who helped with coordination
• Volunteer scorekeepers or timers
• Team sponsors (especially if they helped fund the trophies!). A classic recognition plaque is ideal for this.

Even a small recognition plaque or medal can mean a lot to volunteers who made your season possible.

Related Questions

• What size trophy should I get for different achievements?
• What trophy material is best for youth sports?
• How far in advance should I order trophies?