Small Reward Ideas for Youth Sports

If you are the coach of a youth sports team, then you might be thinking about giving your players a reward at the end of the season for all of their hard work and dedication. However, purchasing gifts for 10, 15 or even 20 players can be quite expensive. Use a little ingenuity and come up with small rewards the players will appreciate that won't break the bank.

  1. Photos

    • Gone are the days when purchasing and processing film was expensive. Now, with a digital camera and some photo paper purchased at your local office supply store, you can print pictures from the comfort of your own home. Take pictures of your players throughout the season during practice and at games. Then at the end of the season print out several pictures for each player to enjoy. The parents will appreciate having photos of their kids as well.

    Certificate

    • Another small reward that won't bust the bank is a certificate to each player congratulating her on the season. Be creative and come up with awards for every single player that makes her feel special. Ideas include "most improved," "most dedicated," "most supportive" and "best team player." Think about traits that each individual player embodies and craft the reward certificate to them. Certificate paper and programs can be purchased at an office supply store or templates can be downloaded from websites. Simply fill in the name of the player and reward. Then print it out at home and give to the players after the final game of the season.

    Ice Cream

    • If you coached with a few assistants, invite the team and their parents and family members to join the coaching staff for ice cream after the last game. While you and the coaches can treat the players, the parents and other family members can pay for their own treat. This reward allows the players and parents to mix and mingle.

    Medallions

    • Giving each player a medallion is a less expensive reward option than a full-size trophy. Select a medallion that represents the sport you coached. Though engraving may cost a little extra, you can add the team name, year and even the player's name to the reverse side. Ask the parents throughout the course of the season to verify proper spelling before submitting the final name list for engraving. Also, know how long it will take to process the order and order early in the season, if necessary.