A muga sports pitch is an artificial all-weather surface that can be used by many different people for a variety of sports and games. The surfaces are durable, free draining and shock absorbent and are popular with schools. They also require very little maintenance compared to natural grass surfaces which can easily become muddy and slippery, especially during the winter months.
The main reason why a school may want to install a multi use games area is so that they can have a range of different sports taking place at the same time without damaging the surface. It is also a great way to encourage the pupils to take part in physical activity which has a number of health benefits.
There are a few different types of MUGA surface constructions, each with their own advantages for certain sports and games. Type 1 and 2 MUGAs are made of porous macadam that can be painted with lines to create courts and pitches. These surfacing types can also have anti-slip coatings added to them to improve the playing surface.
Type 3 MUGAs are made of an artificial turf that can be infilled with either sand or rubber. This is a great option for football and rugby as it provides them with a hardwearing surface that is still soft enough to slide, fall and tackle on. It can also have shock absorbing properties that help to reduce the impact on the players which helps to prevent injuries.
If you want to create a MUGA for tennis, netball or basketball then a polymeric surfacing is the best option. It consists of a 10mm layer of rubber granules that are bound together with an EPDM structural spray coat which gives the surfacing anti-slip capabilities. The granules are then laid on top of a tarmac base, this combination makes the surface perfect for playing tennis and other ball rebound sports.
MUGA’s can be built with a range of other features such as floodlights and markings to ensure that it meets the requirements of the sports’ governing bodies. It is also possible to have a full MUGA maintenance contract included with the installation which can include regular brushing and the occasional top up of the infill material to ensure that the surface is always at its best.
The benefits of a MUGA to your pupils are not only that they can play a number of different sports at the same time, but it can also help to save space on the school grounds as well as providing a revenue stream if the pitch is rented out to local clubs and community groups. It is a cost-effective and practical way to get more people active in the community.
The safety of your pupils is of the utmost importance when it comes to building a MUGA and this is why it is crucial that you make sure that the fencing around the surfacing is high enough. The fence should be at least 5 metres high and it is a good idea to include gates which can be locked. This will stop animals and people climbing over the fence and entering the pitch when it is not in use which could lead to serious injury.