At the end of any sports season, the subject of coach gifts inevitably comes up. Whether the coach is a volunteer or paid, they deserve a thank you gift of some sort. Parents who have never coached often overlook the expense of traveling for games and practices and the time taken away from their own families to be there for their team – so it’s important to show it’s recognized.

There are many gifts suitable for a head coach – gift cards, wearables, etc. – but one in particular that I think stands above the rest: something signed by the players.

Two easy ideas for a signed keepsake are a framed team photo or game ball. The photo can easily be taken after a game and a ball “borrowed” from the equipment bag or purchased at the local sporting goods store. Players sign it and for less than $25 total the coach has something as a remembrance of the season.

The same gift idea is suitable for assistant coaches. What defines an assistant coach? This day and age, even though many parents chip in at practices, the official coaches typically have to go through a formal registration process that includes a background check.

Youth sports coaches, paid or volunteer, don’t do it for the money or the recognition. They do it to make a difference in the lives of their players. However, every coach deserves at least a small token of appreciation from the team.

I have a signed ball from a 1998 season still sitting on my desk and a team photo from 2002 hanging on the wall. The signatures on both bring back memories that a gift card just isn’t able to do.

Jon Buzby has been involved in and writing about youth sports for the past 30 years with perspectives as a parent, coach and board member. Jon is an award-winning writer and his latest book, “Coaching Kids Made Easier,” is available on Amazon. Send comments or future blog topics you'd like to see to JonBuzby@hotmail.com and follow him @YouthSportsBuzz on Twitter.