What prizes should I buy for my football tournament?

The awards ceremony is the emotional highlight of a football tournament, or soccer tournament as it's known in North America, and at the same time the part most organisers put off the longest. The result: too few medals, trophies that don't fit, or a ceremony that rushes by so quickly nobody remembers it.

This article shows you which prizes you actually need, what to budget roughly, and how to run the awards ceremony so that players, parents and coaches go home with a good feeling. Prizes are only one part of tournament planning; the full overview with timeline, budget and equipment list is in the football tournament checklist.

The three prize categories you need

Trophies are the classic choice for the top finishers (1st–3rd place). They are visible, photogenic and end up on a shelf. For youth tournaments, small to medium-sized trophies work best; an oversized cup looks out of place with seven- or eight-year-olds.

Medals are the practical solution when you want to recognise as many players as possible. Every player on a team gets a medal, regardless of whether they won or finished last. This works especially well for youth tournaments, where inclusion matters more than hierarchy.

Spot prizes are a great addition: kits, footballs, sports shop vouchers or tickets to a professional match go down well. They feel more personal than a standard trophy and often spark more conversation. For children, sweets also work brilliantly: a large bag of gummy bears per team reliably produces beaming faces.

A sensible baseline for a tournament with 8 teams: trophies for 1st–3rd place, medals for all players in the winning and runner-up squads, and a small give-away (e.g. a lanyard or sticker) for all participants.

What does an awards ceremony cost?

For a youth tournament with 6–10 teams, trophies and medals fit comfortably in the mid-three-figure range, as long as you order in advance and don't need express delivery.

Where do you buy the prizes?

For standard trophies and medals there are plenty of online retailers specialising in club and tournament supplies. Search for terms like "football trophies club", "soccer trophies club" or "sports medals engraved" and you will find options quickly.

Alternatively, it is worth visiting a local trophy shop or a print shop that also offers engraving. The advantage: you can see the products in person, and for repeat orders you already know the contact.

For prizes like balls, kits or vouchers, approach sports retailers in your area. Many offer club discounts or are even willing to provide prizes as sponsorship if you get in touch early enough.

How to run a smooth awards ceremony

1. Fix the timing: Schedule the ceremony immediately after the final, not after the teardown. The atmosphere is still there.
2. Prepare the prizes: Set out trophies and medals on a table in advance so you are not scrambling at the last minute.
3. Keep the order: 3rd place first, then 2nd, then the winner. Classic build-up of tension.
4. Keep speeches short: Two or three sentences per placement is plenty. The kids want their medal, not a speech.
5. Plan for photos: Announce in advance that parents can take a team photo after the presentation. That prevents everyone rushing onto the pitch at once.

With the right preparation, the awards ceremony becomes the highlight of your tournament, not an afterthought. When you plan your next tournament, AreaCopa helps you keep track of everything: groups, schedule, results, all in one place.

Sources

• Newman, T. J. et al. (2026): Million Coaches Challenge — Autonomy-supportive coaching in youth sport. Autonomy-supportive recognition (medals for all, not just a trophy for the winner) strengthens intrinsic motivation in youth sport.
• DFB: Jugendordnung, booklet 08, version 16.07.2024. General provisions on recognition in youth football, recommendation for inclusive awards ceremonies.