What is a MUGA Pitch?
MUGA pitches (multi-use games areas) are small sports pitches that you would typically find at a school, leisure centre, local park or university. They can be used to play a variety of sports including football, tennis, basketball, netball, tennis and non-contact rugby.
MUGA pitches are typically either 30m x 20m (5v5 size) or 60m x 40m (7v7 size).
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. In this situation, we would help you design a pitch that could be utilised for all 3 sports.
Types of multi-use games areas
There are 4 main types of multi-use game areas, differentiated primarily by the material of the surface.
2G MUGA pitches – 2G surfaces are short pile, dense surfaces that are sand-based and usually a pile height of 24mm or less.
3G MUGA pitches – 3G surfaces are longer pile synthetic grass surfaces typically filled with sand and performance infill. The pile on 3G surfaces is longer than 2G, usually 40-65mm pile height.
Tarmacadam pitches (also known as “tarmac”) – these surfaces are hard surfaces made from crushed stone, sand and tar. The hard material on these surfaces makes them extremely long-lasting and durable.
Polymeric MUGA pitches (also known as play safety surfaces) – these surfaces are made from granulated rubber and a popular choice for an all-weather MUGA pitch, as they are made from small granules which are bonded to create a softer surface than tarmacadam, creating a slightly shock-absorbing surface.
Our advice when choosing a surface is simple! Your first priority is to consider which sports you would like to play, and from there we can help you choose the correct surface type.
You will want to have a maximum of 3 sports on one pitch, otherwise all the lines can get confusing for pitch users.
Benefits of a Multi-Use Games Area
Effective for training sessions – for weekly training sessions or drills, you don’t necessarily need to use a full size pitch. It can often be more beneficial to have a smaller space to hone skills and create a more intimate session.
Cost effective – a MUGA pitch can utilise a small space and create a safe, durable space for multiple sports to be played.
Less maintenance – compared to a full size pitch, the maintenance on MUGA pitches is much easier as they are a significantly smaller area.
All-weather solution – no mud, no mess and no worries about playing in all weathers! Most MUGA surfaces can be utilised regardless of the weather, which is essential if you live in the UK!
How long does a MUGA Pitch last?
How long a MUGA pitch will last for depends on the surface type, but generally a 2G/3G surface should last at least 8 years, and tarmacadam or polymeric significantly longer.
Multi-use game areas will require occasional maintenance such as brushing, infill top ups and line marking. If you need any help maintaining your MUGA pitch, please contact our in-house aftercare team who can help.
Multi-Use Games Areas with SIS Pitches
We’re pleased to have installed MUGA pitches at some of the following facilities:
- Loughborough University
- Powerleague
- Football Fives
- St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
- West Herts Sports Club
- City of London Academy (Islington)
- Hugh Myddelton Primary School
- Willows Sports Centre
- Nishkam High School
- Swavesey Village College
- Hanslope Park
In summary, MUGA pitches are a valuable addition to any community, providing a versatile and safe space for people of all ages to engage in physical activities and promote a healthy lifestyle. They offer numerous advantages, including durability, versatility, and inclusivity, making them a popular choice for schools, parks, and other recreational areas.
If your institution would like more information on MUGA pitches, we would be happy to help. Contact us today!
Arrange a free consultation today
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