MUGAS are probably going to be the most expensive sector of sports equipment an establishment will purchase. To this, you have to ensure that you have all the facts, figures, planning and areas ( to build on) prior to any order being allotted. You need to have a good idea of ‘what you want’, ‘why you want it’, what will it achieve, will or can I make an income stream from it and finally will it be used enough to justify the overall costs. Where possible always use the Four Step Rule when considering a MUGA area.
MUGA pitches (multi-use games areas) are small sports pitches that you would typically find at schools, leisure centres, local parks and sports clubs.
These types of pitches are normally self-contained and fenced off. Some of the larger types of MUGA come complete with lighting options and if required bespoke designs can be included i.e.. School colours, logos, bespoke type fencing etc.
They can be used to play a variety of different sports including:
Football , Tennis , Basketball , Netball , Hockey
When designing your MUGA pitch, it is important to consider what the primary sport will be, followed by any additional sports.
For example, at a school, the primary sport played might be football, followed by hockey and netball. To this, you would probably have to determine the type of surface you feel is the best for a particular sport. Advice on this can be given.
Having the ability to play multiple sports in just one area comes with a great advantage for schools and sports clubs so they can use each area to its full potential. Another advantage is the opportunity to rent the space out to outside parties allowing an extra income stream.
MUGAs have become increasingly popular and are used for a wide range of different sports, hence the term “multi-use games areas.”
For the larger schools, Trusts or Academies you can increase the sizes of your MUGA to incorporate 3,4,5 or 6 separate areas with different types of surfacing on each court giving you the flexibility of different sports games on each court. This also enhances the chances of renting the areas out to third parties and clubs.
Surface Areas – These are the main surfaces
Open textured porous macadam areas
Normally used for ball rebound sports where tennis is the priority and sports such as mini-tennis and basketball and netball are secondary users.
High grip open textured porous macadam areas
Designed for ball rebound sports where netball is the priority and sports such as tennis, mini-tennis, and basketball are secondary users.
High grip finish polymeric surfaces
Designed for ball rebound sports where netball is the priority. Sports such as tennis, mini-tennis, and basketball are secondary .
Polymeric surfaces
Used for football, basketball and general sports and recreational training and play. Due to their greater shock absorbency and lower surface friction these areas are not recommended for basketball or netball. Polymeric surfaces can come in a wide and varied range of colours and can be made bespoke to the individual site. Ideal surface for athletics tracks.
Sand filled synthetic turf areas with a shock pad.
These surfaces are used for sports such as hockey and small-sided football and may also be used for non-contact training for rugby union, rugby league, American Football and many others.
Third generation (long pile) synthetic turf
Developed to replicate the playing characteristics of natural grass, this type of surfacing is now the preferred choice of the FA and RFU for all forms of football and rugby (with a shock pad). They are also used for American Football and lacrosse.
Needle-punch carpets
This type of surface may be sand filled or bonded to the sub-base. It can be laid with or without a shock pad and depending on the type selected are considered suitable for tennis, netball, hockey and football.
If you would like further details on MUGAS please get in touch via our contact page or give us a call on
Telephone 0330 1355262
