During 2018, Bradleys Surfacing Systems installed 39 Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) in schools across the UK.

MUGAs enable schools to engage children in a variety of different sports in one pitch space as they have markings for football, hockey, netball and basketball, meaning they can make the most of the space they have available. Each gaming area is often marked out with its own bright colour to indicate which lines they must play within for their particular sport.

MUGAs are particularly suitable for inner-city schools or playground areas that have limited space for sports facilities, as well as being a cost-effective solution for schools with finite budget or grants available for physical education.

Looking to install a MUGA at your school? There are two key aspects to consider…

SURFACING–  There are many different surfacing options to choose from that can help create the right MUGA for your school. We’ve summarised the 5 main types below, highlighting which surfacing is best for the sport being played:

• Type 1 Open-textured porous macadam – traditional multi-use surface suited for ball rebound sports, such as tennis, basketball and netball. Primarily used as a tennis court with options including basketball and netball as secondary sports. The surface is coated with slip resistant paint and suitable for wheelchair sports.
• Type 2 Open-textured porous macadam – like type 1 MUGAs, type 2 surfaces are coated with slip resistant paint. But because netball is the priority sport, type 2 MUGAs require a higher slip resistance. Tennis and basketball are the secondary sports and suitable for wheelchair sports
• Type 3 – Polymeric – Polymeric or rubberised surfaces have a degree of shock absorption and are normally laid above a porous macadam base for ball re-bound sports. Netball is the priority sport for this type of surface, and tennis and basketball the secondary sports. Available in a variety of colours and specifications to match the user’s requirements. Suitable for wheelchair sports.
• Type 4 – Polymeric – Type 4 MUGAs are designed to have greater shock absorbency and a lower slip resistance and therefore are suitable for where five-a-side football, basketball and general recreational and play are the priority.
• Type 5 – Synthetic turf – Often referred to as ‘STP’, type 5 is surfaced with either a sand-filled or sand-dressed synthetic stuff or 3G needle-punch carpet. Sports suited to synthetic turf surfaces include hockey, football and tennis. With an STP surface, a shock pad is included depending on the surface design and usage and can be installed as required. A shock pad might be used if football is the priority sport, but not for tennis.

EQUIPMENT – There is a variety of different equipment that means you can make the most of your MUGA.

• A rebound sports fence around the perimeter reduces the risk of losing balls and can also stop vandals causing damage to the area
• Floodlights are good if your school is using the MUGA in the evenings or throughout the winter months when the nights draw in
• Goals and nets – tailored features such as goal recesses and nets for sports such as basketball and netball can help you to create your perfect MUGA