Simple Guide To Football Trophy Materials
Updated: 15 December 2026
Author: Alan Rudgard
What Should You Buy?
Buying awards for the team? It can be confusing looking at hundreds of options online. Is “Resin” just plastic? Is “Optical Crystal” worth the extra money?
You don’t need to be an expert to make the right choice. You just need to match the Material to the Age Group and the Occasion.
Here is our 2-minute guide to choosing the perfect award.
1. Resin: The “Best for Kids” Choice
What is it? Think of a really high-quality, heavy moulded plastic. Because it is poured into a mould, it can be shaped into almost anything—a player tackling, a boot hitting a ball, or even a goalkeeper diving.
Why choose it?
- The “Cool” Factor: Kids love them because they look like action figures. You can see the laces on the boots and the expression on the player’s face.
- Value: It’s affordable. You can get a big, heavy-feeling trophy for a fraction of the cost of metal.
- Durability: It’s tough. If a kid drops it, it might chip, but it won’t shatter like glass.
Best For:
- Junior squads (Under 7s to Under 16s).
- “Man of the Match” awards.
Shop Resin Trophies.
2. Metal: The “League Winner” Choice
What is it? The classic “Cup.” These are usually made from steel or brass and coated in nickel or silver to make them shine. When you set one down on a table, it makes that satisfying “clank” sound.
Why choose it?
- Tradition: This is what a “real” trophy looks like. It screams “Champion.”
- The “Perpetual” Factor: Metal cups are designed to last for decades. You can engrave the winner’s name on the base, and next year, add the new winner below it.
- Repairable: If it gets a small dent during the celebrations, it can often be fixed.
Best For:
- League Winners.
- Cup Finals.
- Clubman of the Year.
3. Glass and Crystal
What is it? Sleek, heavy, and clear. These don’t look like sports trophies; they look like modern awards.
Why choose it?
- The “Wow” Weight: When you hand someone a block of crystal, they are often surprised by how heavy it is. It instantly feels expensive and important.
- Classy: It looks great on an office desk or a mantelpiece. It doesn’t look out of place in a professional setting.
- The Downside: Don’t drop it! It will shatter.
Best For:
- Sponsors’ awards
- Adult “Player of the Season” nights
- Gifts for the Manager or Volunteer staff
4. Bamboo: The “Eco-Friendly” Choice
What is it? A modern alternative made from sustainable wood.
Why choose it?
- Stand Out: It looks completely different from the standard gold and silver trophies everyone else hands out.
- Feel Good: It’s better for the planet. No plastic, just natural materials.
Best For:
- Clubs who care about the environment.
- Something unique and trendy.
Shop Bamboo Awards
Summary: The Cheat Sheet
Still not sure? Use this quick table to decide.
|
Material |
Is it heavy |
Will it break if dropped? |
Price Range |
Best For… |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Resin |
Yes (surprisingly!) |
Rarely |
£ (Low) |
Kids & Individual Players |
|
Metal |
Yes |
No (might dent) |
£££ (Can be High) |
League Winners & History |
|
Glass |
Yes |
Yes (Shatters) |
££ (Medium) |
Adults & Sponsors |
|
Bamboo |
Light/Medium |
No |
££ (Medium) |
Eco-Friendly Clubs |
Ready to browse? Now that you know what you’re looking for, use our filters to find the perfect award.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are Resin football trophies and are they durable?
Resin trophies are made from a high-quality, heavy moulded plastic. They are very durable and chip-resistant, making them the best choice for junior squads and ‘Man of the Match’ awards where a robust, affordable option is needed.
Q. Why choose a Metal or Nickel-Plated cup?
Metal cups are the traditional choice for ‘League Winners’ because of their prestige and longevity. They are often used as ‘Perpetual Trophies,’ meaning they are designed to be engraved and passed down to new winners for decades.
Q. Are Glass and Crystal awards suitable for football presentations?
Yes, specifically for adult or corporate presentations. Optical Crystal offers a significant physical weight and a premium feel (‘Return on Impression’), making it perfect for ‘Player of the Season’ or sponsor appreciation awards.
Q. Do you offer eco-friendly football trophies?
Yes, we offer Bamboo awards as a modern, sustainable alternative to plastic. They are made from sustainable wood and are ideal for clubs who want to make an environmental statement.
Alan Rudgard
Alan is the owner and manager of cateringinhoorn and has over 30 years’ dedicated experience of the awards supply and engraving industry. Outside of work he loves spending time with his family and pets as well as travelling in Europe and North America (when time allows).