What to write on a trophy

What every award needs

A good engraved award answers four questions at a glance: who won it, what it was for, when, and who gave it. You do not need all four on every award, but keeping them in that order makes the wording easy to read and easy to remember.

• The winner: full name, or first name and surname initial for young players.
• The award: the title, such as Best and Fairest or Player of the Year.
• The season or date: the year, season or event date.
• The giver: the club, school, business or sponsor name or logo.

Wording ideas by occasion

Sports clubs and teams

• Best and Fairest, Under 14s, 2026, [Name]
• Players' Player, Premier Division, [Season], [Name]
• Most Improved, [Grade], [Name]
• Coach's Award, [Name], For Outstanding Commitment
• Premiers, [Grade], [Year]

Schools

• Dux of the School, [Year], [Name]
• Citizenship Award, Year 6, [Name]
• For Excellence in Mathematics, [Name]
• Principal's Award for Effort, [Name]

Staff and business recognition

• Employee of the Year, [Year], [Name]
• In Recognition of 10 Years of Service, [Name]
• Outstanding Contribution to [Project or Team], [Name]
• With Thanks for Your Dedication, [Company Name]

Volunteers and coaches

• Volunteer of the Year, [Name], With Thanks From All of Us
• Thank You Coach, [Team], [Season]
• In Appreciation of Your Time and Commitment

Layout tips

• Keep it short. Plates and plaques have limited space, and shorter wording can be engraved in larger, easier to read letters.
• Put the winner's name on its own line. It is the part everyone looks for first.
• Use consistent formatting. If you order a batch, send one list with the same layout for every award. This avoids mixed capitals and spelling.
• Send us a spreadsheet for large orders. One row per award, with name, award title and any extra line, is the easiest way to avoid mistakes.

Proofread before you send

Most reorders happen because of a spelling mistake in the original details. Check names against an official team list, confirm the year, and read the wording out loud before you send it. We engrave exactly what you send us, so a second pair of eyes on the list is worth it.

Wording for perpetual trophies

Perpetual trophies keep adding winners year after year, so each plate usually carries just the year and the winner's name, and sometimes the grade or division. Keep every line the same format so the plates look consistent as the trophy fills up. Our perpetual trophies guide has more detail.

Adding a logo

If you want a club, school or business logo on an award, send us a clear, high resolution image with your enquiry. Vector files are best. We can engrave or print it on many of our awards, and add it to the centre of many medals and trophy inserts.