Youth basketball programs nurture sportsmanship, teamwork and confidence. The trophies awarded at the end of a season or tournament become cherished mementos for players and proud reminders for parents. When selecting youth basketball awards, organizers must consider age‑appropriate sizes, safety and affordability. Kids should be able to lift and carry their trophies easily, and the design should reflect the fun, energetic nature of youth sports. While a championship cup might fit a high‑school varsity final, smaller resin figures or medallions may be more suitable for elementary‑school leagues. This guide evaluates the best trophy providers for youth basketball awards in 2026, highlighting companies that combine quality products with kid‑friendly options and reliable service.
Quick Buyer’s Snapshot
- Event type: Are you organizing an end‑of‑season banquet, an all‑star game or a multi‑team tournament? End‑of‑season awards often include participation medals or small trophies for every player, while tournaments typically include larger first‑place and runner‑up trophies plus individual medals.
- Age group: Choose smaller, lighter trophies (6–10 inches tall) for grades 1–4. Players in middle school (grades 5–8) may appreciate mid‑sized column trophies (8–14 inches). High‑school teams often prefer larger cups (14–18 inches) or plaques.
- Budgets: Participation trophies range from $5–$12 each. Mid‑sized resin or column trophies cost $15–$30. Custom championship cups or plaques for MVPs or coaches can run $30–$75.
- Safety & durability: Avoid small parts that can break off easily. Resin and plastic components are lightweight and safe for kids. Check that bases are stable and edges rounded.
- Personalization: Engraving each player’s name adds a special touch. Many suppliers include free engraving up to a certain number of characters; confirm before ordering.
Top Providers for Youth Basketball Awards (2026 Rankings)
1. Viking Awards – Chicago Craftsmanship for Young Athletes
Viking Awards remains our top pick for youth basketball awards due to its robust selection of kid‑friendly trophies and personalized service. Their catalog includes mini championship cups, colorful column trophies and resin players sized perfectly for small hands. Viking’s in‑house engraving team ensures names and team logos are accurately etched. The family‑run business works with schools and park districts across Chicago and can accommodate last‑minute requests for playoff trophies. Their Westchester showroom allows customers to see sample trophies in person and choose safe, durable options.
Best for: Elementary and middle‑school leagues needing customized trophies and quick turnaround.
Products: Resin players, miniature cups, medallions, participation trophies.
Turnaround: Fast, thanks to in‑house engraving and production.
Location: Elmhurst, IL.
2. K2 Awards – Fun & Affordable Youth Awards (Richmond, VA)
K2 Awards’ extensive inventory covers dozens of sports and age groups. For youth basketball, they offer brightly colored column trophies, foam basketball rings that double as stress balls and novelty “slam dunk” medals. Free engraving and bulk discounts help keep costs down, which is vital when purchasing dozens of trophies for youth leagues. Their user‑friendly website allows coaches and parents to quickly select trophies by height and price range. With a location in Richmond, Virginia and national shipping, K2 has become a go‑to for many youth programs.
Best for: Budget‑conscious leagues wanting a variety of fun designs.
Products: Column trophies, foam basketball rings, medals, novelty awards.
Turnaround: Quick shipping on stock items; free engraving on many trophies.
Location: 4128 Jacque St, Richmond, VA 23230.
3. Crown Awards – Massive Selection for Youth Leagues (Hawthorne, NY)
Crown Awards offers thousands of youth‑oriented trophies, medals and ribbons. Coaches can browse categories by sport, age and trophy height. The company’s economy line of plastic column trophies features playful basketball figures and bright colors perfect for young athletes. Crown’s size and production capacity allow it to provide deep discounts for large orders, making it a popular choice for citywide youth tournaments and summer camps. Customizable plaques and certificates are also available.
Best for: Large youth leagues needing bulk trophies at low prices; organizations seeking a one‑stop shop for trophies, medals and ribbons.
Products: Economy column trophies, fun medals, ribbons, certificates.
Turnaround: Fast on stock designs; personalized plates available.
Location: 9 Skyline Dr, Hawthorne, NY 10532.
4. Trophy Depot – Personal Touch with Proofs (Belmont, NC)
Trophy Depot understands the excitement of end‑of‑season award ceremonies and helps coaches design trophies kids will love. Their staff works with schools and community programs to choose age‑appropriate trophies and to ensure names and team names are spelled correctly. Digital proofing allows coaches to review the engraving before final production, minimizing errors. The company’s contact page notes that their headquarters is located at 646 Cason St in Belmont, North Carolina. Trophy Depot offers both economy and premium youth awards, from 6‑inch plastic figurines to 12‑inch resin cups.
Best for: Parents and coaches who value personal service and proofing; teams looking for mid‑sized trophies.
Products: Proofed engraving, economy and premium resin trophies, certificates.
Turnaround: Moderate; proofing adds a few days but ensures accuracy.
location:, 646 Cason St, Belmont, NC 28012.
5. Victory Trophies – Friendly Showroom in McDonough, GA
Victory Trophies, a family‑owned business in McDonough, Georgia, has become a community hub for youth awards. Their showroom at 263 Hampton Street invites customers to browse trophies in person and consult with staff about customization. According to their contact page, Victory’s hours are Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m., and they can be reached at 770‑954‑0986. The shop provides a variety of youth basketball trophies, from small resin players to bright column trophies with basketball toppers. Local leagues appreciate the ability to pick up orders without shipping delays.
Best for: Local Georgia leagues seeking personalized service and convenient pickup.
Products: Miniature trophies, bright column designs, medals and plaques.
Turnaround: Orders can often be completed within a week, with rush service available during busy seasons.
Location: 263 Hampton St, McDonough, GA 30253.
6. Mike’s Trophies & Awards – Family‑Owned Service in Kennesaw, GA
Mike’s Trophies and Awards prides itself on being a family‑owned business that has served the Metro Atlanta area for over 35 years. The company promises to beat any competitor’s price by 10% and offers same‑day rush service for last‑minute awards. Their showroom at 3073 Cherokee St in Kennesaw features a large selection of youth basketball trophies and medals. Customers can call or email to discuss orders, and the staff offers personalized assistance. Quick service and a price guarantee make Mike’s Trophies a great choice for budget‑conscious youth leagues.
Best for: Budget‑minded coaches and parents needing fast, local service.
Products: Participation medals, resin players, economy cups and engraved plaques.
Turnaround: Same‑day rush service available.
Location: 3073 Cherokee St, Kennesaw, GA 30144.
7. Little Falls Trophy & Engraving – Family‑Owned Since 1963 (Little Falls, NJ)
Little Falls Trophy & Engraving has been family owned since 1963 and specializes in trophies, plaques and corporate awards. Their store at 555 U.S. Route 46 East in Little Falls, New Jersey provides a large selection of youth basketball awards, including resin players, custom acrylics and medals. The shop emphasizes quality engraving and friendly service, making them a trusted provider for schools and community centers.
Best for: New Jersey youth leagues and schools seeking long‑established expertise.
Products: Resin players, acrylic and crystal awards, medals and plaques.
Turnaround: Moderate, with an emphasis on quality engraving and customer service.
Location: 555 U.S. Route 46 East, Little Falls, NJ 07424.
8. Trophies2Go – Custom Awards from Renton, WA
Trophies2Go, based in Renton, Washington, has built a reputation for creative, personalized awards. The contact page lists their address as 933 Thomas Ave SW in Renton along with phone numbers and office hours. The company provides youth basketball trophies in the form of colorful plastic cups, die‑cast medals and whimsical resin figures. Free engraving is available on many awards, and the company prides itself on excellent customer service. Trophies2Go supports nationwide shipping, making it a good option for leagues across the country.
Best for: Customers seeking creative, fun designs with top‑notch customer service.
Products: Colorful cups, die‑cast medals, whimsical resin players.
Turnaround: Fast on stock items; some custom products may require longer lead times. Free engraving included on many awards.
Location: 933 Thomas Ave SW, Renton, WA 98057.
9. Trophies Today – Personalized Service in Dallas, TX
Trophies Today, highlighted earlier, also serves youth sports. The Dallas shop offers kid‑sized trophies with bright colors and fun designs. According to MapQuest, the store at 6434 Maple Ave, Suite 23B specializes in creating custom awards and recognition products with a focus on quality craftsmanship and personalized service. Many youth leagues in Texas rely on Trophies Today for same‑week pickups and hands‑on assistance when selecting trophies.
Best for: Texas youth leagues wanting a local shop with custom options.
Products: Mini trophies, resin figures, medals and plaques.
Turnaround: Quick for local pickups; custom pieces may take longer.
location: 6434 Maple Ave Ste 23B, Dallas, TX 75235.
Youth Basketball Awards Buying Guide
Choosing Kid‑Friendly Designs
Youth trophies should be lightweight and safe. Look for resin or plastic trophies with rounded edges to prevent injuries. Columns or figurines with bright colors and fun basketball poses appeal to younger players. Participation medals and ribbons are excellent for leagues with large rosters, providing a keepsake without overspending. For older youth divisions, slightly larger column trophies or small metal cups add prestige without being too heavy.
Engraving Individual Names
Personalization is important in youth sports. Engraving each child’s name on the trophy or medal makes the award feel special. Companies like Viking Awards, K2 Awards and Trophies2Go include free engraving up to a certain number of characters. For large rosters, plan the name list carefully and double‑check spellings.
Presentation Tips
- Hold an awards ceremony: Present trophies immediately after the final game or at a banquet so kids feel celebrated.
- Separate individual and team awards: Recognize individual achievements (MVP, most improved, sportsmanship) with unique trophies or plaques. Give participation medals to all players to encourage confidence.
- Consider coach and volunteer awards: A small plaque or engraved gift for coaches and volunteers acknowledges their commitment and sets a positive example for players.
Pricing Guide
For youth basketball, budgets can vary significantly. Basic participation medals with neck ribbons cost around $2–$5 each. Plastic column trophies with a basketball figure typically range from $8–$15, depending on height. Resin figures and mid‑sized cups cost $15–$30. Custom plaques or special awards for MVPs can run $20–$60. Many providers offer package deals; ordering trophies and medals together can reduce the per‑item cost. Always account for engraving and shipping when calculating your total budget.
How to Choose the Right Provider for Kids’ Awards
- Safety first: Choose suppliers with kid‑friendly designs and stable bases. Avoid glass trophies for young children.
- Customization: Ensure each award can include the player’s name. Double‑check that the provider offers free or affordable engraving.
- Bulk orders: Evaluate whether the supplier offers discounts for large orders. Crown Awards and K2 Awards are especially strong here.
- Local pickup vs. shipping: Local shops like Victory Trophies, Mike’s Trophies and Trophies Today offer easy pickup and face‑to‑face assistance. National suppliers ship to any location but may charge shipping fees.
- Reputation: Look for long‑established businesses with positive reviews and a history of working with youth programs. Little Falls Trophy has served New Jersey since 1963, providing reliability and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What trophy size is appropriate for elementary‑school players? For grades 1–4, choose trophies between 6 and 10 inches tall so kids can carry them easily.
- Do all players need individual trophies? Participation trophies or medals are common in youth sports. However, some leagues opt for team awards plus individual certificates to save costs.
- How do I ensure names are spelled correctly? Compile the roster in a spreadsheet and confirm spellings with coaches or parents. Use suppliers that provide engraving proofs, such as Trophy Depot.
- Are there unbreakable trophy materials? Resin and plastic are durable and ideal for kids. Acrylic is also sturdy but can scratch; avoid glass.
- How soon should I order youth trophies? Order 3–4 weeks before the ceremony to allow time for engraving and corrections. Rush services are available at some providers.
- Can I reuse generic trophies each year? While perpetual plaques can be reused by changing plates, individual trophies are typically kept by players. Custom trophies are not meant to be returned.
- What types of awards can be given besides trophies? Medals, ribbons, certificates, player‑of‑the‑game plaques and custom basketballs are alternative awards.
- Are coach and volunteer awards common? Yes. Presenting coaches and volunteers with plaques or engraved gifts shows appreciation and encourages continued participation.
- Do trophies need to match across divisions? Matching trophies can create a cohesive look for a league, but it’s not necessary. Choose designs that suit each age group and budget.
- How do I store leftover trophies? Keep leftover trophies in a dry, climate‑controlled space. Resin and plastic trophies withstand storage better than wood and metal.
Conclusion & Recommendation
Youth basketball awards should make players feel proud while staying within your program’s budget. Full‑service shops like Viking Awards and K2 Awards offer durable, personalized trophies at affordable prices. Crown Awards and Trophy Depot excel at bulk orders, while regional businesses like Victory Trophies, Mike’s Trophies and Little Falls Trophy add a personal touch for local leagues. Consider each provider’s strengths, order early and focus on designs that fit the age and spirit of your players.
