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Most Valuable Presence of the Game

A new meaning of MVP.

We recognise the value a player brings to the game.

Statistics make it easy to see who scored the most points, made the most assists or collected the most rebounds.

But much more happens on the court, right?

There is effort. Character. Support for teammates. Respect for opponents. The reaction after a mistake. The way a player responds after a foul. Helping others. Sometimes one moment can have a positive impact on the entire game.

These are exactly the values coaches around the world try to teach their players.

That is why we created a program that gives young players the chance to be recognised for what they bring to the game through their presence.

For U10 and U12 teams taking part in organised basketball competitions in the Netherlands during the 2026/27 season.

From the pilot to a new format

In the 2025/26 season, we launched the pilot edition of the MVP & Fair Play Player of the Game program.

During the pilot, the old format included three medals per game: two MVP medals and one Fair Play Player medal.

Fifteen clubs joined the pilot, and more than 400 medals were presented to young players.

We wanted to see how players, coaches and the wider club community would respond.

The feedback was very positive. Participants mainly pointed to increased player motivation, better sporting behaviour, a more positive atmosphere and stronger relationships between teams.

However, the pilot also revealed one clear problem.

MVP was still too often understood simply as an award for the top scorer.

As a result, the same highly visible players could receive medals repeatedly, while others had very little chance of being recognised.

But we created this program to reward players for their attitude and the value they bring to the game.

That is why, after the pilot, we changed both the format and the meaning of the award.

Most Valuable Presence

The player whose presence and attitude deserved to be recognised that day.

From the 2026/27 season, the program will use two Most Valuable Presence medals per game.

Who can become Most Valuable Presence of the Game?

A player who:

  • showed exceptional commitment,
  • supported teammates,
  • never gave up,
  • brought positive energy,
  • showed respect to opponents and referees.

Of course, it can still be the same player who scored the most points, collected the most rebounds, led the team to victory or played the best defence.

However, points should not be the main deciding factor.

The new format gives almost every player on the court a real chance to receive the medal.

How does it work?

After every game, two Most Valuable Presence of the Game medals are presented.

One to a player from the home team.
One to a player from the visiting team.

Each team selects one player from the opposing team.

The final decision belongs to the coach, but we strongly recommend involving the players in the choice.

This creates extra involvement from the bench and encourages players to pay more attention to what is happening on the court.

The key role of coaches

The pilot confirmed that recognition such as the Most Valuable Presence medal can be a valuable additional tool for coaches working with young players.

The medal itself is only part of the program.

Its real value depends on how the coach explains the idea, involves the team and makes the final choice.

Why is there no separate Fair Play medal?

With the new meaning of MVP — Most Valuable Presence — fair play is already part of the award.

Respect, attitude, support for others and sportsmanship all contribute to the value a player brings to the game.

A separate Fair Play medal would therefore partly overlap with the Most Valuable Presence award.

Reducing the format to two medals per game makes the program simpler and easier to organise.

The medal ceremony is simple

We do not impose one fixed format. Every participating team can organise the presentation in the way that works best for them.

A typical process looks like this:

  • Before the game, the visiting coach is informed about the program.
  • Whenever possible, we recommend contacting the visiting coach earlier, so there is enough time to understand the idea and prepare the team.
  • If the coach is informed shortly before the game, a short information card included with the medals will help explain the program.
  • After the game and the usual team handshakes or high-fives, both teams announce their choice.
  • The medal can be presented by the coach or by one of the players from the opposing team.

A few words. Congratulations. The medal. That is all.

1–2 minutes before the game to explain the program.
1–2 minutes after the game to select the players and present the medals.

No forms. No reports. No extra administration.

What remains are positive memories, smiling faces, strong examples and an extra moment of interaction between players, teams and clubs.

It does not require complex organisation. Only a little effort and a positive attitude.

Up to 500 games in the 2026/27 season

Orange Ball United Athletes is making 1,000 free Most Valuable Presence medals available for the program.

The free medals are available for the home games of:

  • one U10 team,
  • one U12 team,

from each participating club, while supplies last.

The club only covers the shipping cost within the Netherlands.

Even after the free medal allocation has been fully used, clubs will still be able to join the program.

Additional medals will be available at production and distribution cost.

Feedback from the pilot

The full evaluation report gathers the feedback from clubs, coaches, players and referees that shaped the new Most Valuable Presence format.

DOWNLOAD PILOT 2026-27 EVALUATION