Perpetual Trophies & Annual Shields Explained
Perpetual trophies are the awards that stay with a club, school or business year after year, collecting a new winner's name each time they are presented. Unlike a keepsake trophy that the winner takes home for good, a perpetual trophy builds history: after a decade, it tells the story of everyone who has won it.
This guide explains how perpetual trophies and annual shields work, how to plan space for future names, and how to pair them with keepsakes so winners still have something to keep.
They suit any organisation that presents the same award every year, from sports clubs and golf societies to schools, businesses and community groups. The right choice depends mainly on how often you present the award and how many years you want it to last.
How perpetual trophies work
A perpetual trophy is presented to the winner, who usually holds it for a year before returning it ready for the next presentation. Each winner's name and year are added, either on small plates around a base, on mini shields fixed to a larger board, or engraved directly onto a cup.
They are popular for club championships, house competitions in schools, league titles, Employee of the Month boards and memorial awards named after a founder or past member.
Choosing the right perpetual trophy
The key question is space. Before you choose, think about how many years you want the trophy to last before it is full.
- Shield boards: a large shield with space for small plates, ideal for 10 or more years of names.
- Cups on plinths: classic and grand, with plates added around the base.
- Wall plaques: good for Employee of the Month or house points, displayed permanently.
- Trophies with large bases: a straightforward option for clubs on a tighter budget.
Keepsakes: so winners still take something home
Most organisations pair the perpetual award with a smaller keepsake. The winner holds the perpetual trophy for photos on the night or for the year, and keeps the smaller one permanently.
Keepsake trophies can be very affordable; trophies in our range start from £2 and are typically around £8. A matching medal is another simple option, with medals typically around £2.
Engrave the keepsake with the name of the perpetual award as well as the winner and year. For example, a small trophy reading 'The Jones Memorial Trophy · Winner 2026 · Sarah Williams' ties the keepsake to the bigger award and means a lot to the recipient once the perpetual trophy has gone back to the club.
If you present several perpetual awards at the same event, ordering all the keepsakes together keeps them matching and helps you reach a bulk discount.
Engraving and adding names each year
Plan the engraving format in year one and stick to it, so every plate looks consistent. The main plate usually carries the trophy's name, and the yearly plates carry the winner and year.
- Main plate: 'The Jones Memorial Trophy · Club Champion'
- Annual plate: '2026 · Sarah Williams'
- Team plate: '2025/26 · Under 15s'
- Monthly plate: 'March 2026 · Gareth Hughes'
Memorial and named trophies
Many perpetual trophies are named in memory of someone who meant a lot to a club, school or community: a founder, a long-serving coach, a much-loved teacher or a player who passed away. A memorial trophy keeps their name part of the club's story every time it is presented.
When setting up a memorial award, talk to the family first. Agree the name of the trophy, what it will be awarded for and whether they would like to present it. Families often value being invited each year, and it makes the presentation especially meaningful.
- Choose criteria that reflect the person, such as sportsmanship, commitment or kindness.
- Engrave the trophy's full name and a short dedication on the main plate.
- Keep a written record of the criteria so future committees present it in the same spirit.
- Consider a small keepsake for the winner that also carries the memorial name.
Looking after a perpetual trophy
Because perpetual trophies travel between homes, workplaces and clubhouses, they take more wear than a keepsake. A few simple habits help them last.
- Ask winners to sign for the trophy and agree a return date.
- Keep a photo of every plate in case one goes missing or gets damaged.
- Store it in a box or display cabinet rather than on an open shelf.
- Clean gently with a soft, dry cloth and avoid harsh chemicals.
- Check the fixings and plates each year when it comes back, before the new name is added.
Ordering a perpetual trophy
Plaques and shields in our range run from £5 to £80, and cups from £2.25 to £31.50. You can also browse the Trendsetting Awards 2026 catalogue for larger options and send us the trophy number. Message us on WhatsApp with the award name, how many years you want it to last and your budget, and we will send a free quote with suitable options.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a perpetual trophy?
A perpetual trophy stays with an organisation and is awarded to a new winner each year. The winner's name and year are added to the trophy, so it builds a record of every past winner over time.
Do winners keep a perpetual trophy?
Usually not. Winners hold it for a set period, often a year, then return it. Most clubs and schools also give a smaller keepsake trophy or medal that the winner keeps permanently.
How many names fit on a perpetual shield?
It depends on the design and the number of plate positions. Count the positions before you order and match them to how often the award is given, for example annually or monthly.
How do you add names to a perpetual trophy?
Each year a new plate is engraved with the winner's name and year and fixed in the next space. Send the details in the same format as previous plates to keep the style consistent.
How much does a perpetual shield cost?
Plaques and shields in our range cost from £5 to £80, with a typical price around £9.50. Larger designs are available from the Trendsetting Awards 2026 catalogue on request.