Circle pitch on the outside in efforts to get awards (8)
I believe the answer is:
trophies
'awards' is the definition.
(trophy is a kind of award)
I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for trophies that I've seen before include "Prizes, souvenirs of success" , "To perish with prizes" , "Ship tore up the victor's prizes" , "Cups, awards" , "Awards, tokens of victory" .)