Thomas Lyte are enormously proud of our enduring relationship with The FA and the Emirates FA Cup, perhaps the most famous domestic trophy in global sport. First played for in 1882, it was our privilege to produce the 2022 Emirates FA Cup medals, which celebrated the 150th anniversary of this iconic event.
As the Official Trophy Supplier of the FA and the Emirates FA Cup, Thomas Lyte is inextricably linked with a competition that continues to wow audiences across the globe on an annual basis. The medals to mark this historic occasion were a reflection of the grandeur and tradition associated with the tournament.
Exquisitely designed, the anniversary medals contain many unique features, not least the intricate Wembley Arch-inspired border and the 150 raised dots surrounding the medal’s centrepiece. Each dot represents a year of the competition since that first final between the Royal Engineers and Wanderers, which was held at The Oval – the home of so many memorable cricket matches over the same time period.
The medal itself is also the largest in FA Cup history, providing yet another first for a tournament steeped in tradition. The stunning red presentation box completes the look of a medal that is a one-off in every sense.
In addition to making the commemorative medals to mark the 150th anniversary of the FA Cup, Thomas Lyte also designed and made the Emirates FA Cup trophy and Women’s FA Cup trophy – designing and supplying the winner’s and runner up medals for both competitions. Other FA commissions include the FA Youth Cup trophy and repairing or restoring many of The FA’s most famous pieces of silverware, including the Women’s Super League (WSL) trophy.
Only one medal from that first FA Cup final in 1872 remains. It’s currently on display at the National Football Museum and offers a reminder of the competition’s rich heritage and fabled past. Whether the medals presented at the anniversary final are still around in 150 years remains to be seen.
The FA-commissioned medals, lovingly handcrafted in our London workshop are pieces of silverware that will certainly stand the test of time.
