Trophies in football: how have they changed?

There is no doubt that football trophies have come a long way since the early days. Then, players were presented with something small, with perhaps a medal to keep for themselves. Today, sport trophies have become big business, and there as many designs as there are players to award them to.

Instead of small tin cups, there are now a huge range of designs made from a wide range of materials, some works of art, and some purely fun objects to be given to the players who did not find major success. There is something to be said for encouraging people to take part; however this can sometimes devalue the overall reason for giving an award in the first place. Players can now receive footballing figures, or specially designed glassware, some more extravagant than others. Some players find themselves taking home three foot high trophies with various interesting and elaborate trimmings and engravings, but there are awards featuring stars and various shield designs for every occasion. Many of the trophies can be engraved, and some designs allow for winners in subsequent years - adding to the trophies prestige.

There is no doubt that winning a trophy can give people a sense of achievement, and give players encouragement to achieve more, or be more competitive against their fellow players. Some awards have the effect of looking like they were awarded for something substantial, and there are a whole range of silver salvers which would look impressive in any awards cabinet. When someone wins an award, it is important that the trophy reflects the achievement. Some small achievement can be made to look ridiculous if a huge three foot trophy is given. Similarly, a player who has achieved something special can sometimes feel disillusioned by receiving just a small trinket in recognition.

Trophies are an important part of football, and the competition to win them is what the game is all about. Getting the balance right between what the player has achieved and the trophy awarded can sometimes be a problem in itself.