Multi-Use Games Areas

Artificial Surfaces for MUGAs

A Multi-Use Games Area, or ‘MUGA’, offers a cost-effective solution for communities, schools and other facility providers faced with a wide range of sporting demands and limited space or budgets.

As a general rule of thumb, a MUGA can be defined as either a macadam or polymeric surfaced sports area of any size. A MUGA can also be defined as a synthetic turf sports area that is less than 3000m2.

A MUGA is designed to cater for a wide range of sports/activities. There is no single surface available that can offer fantastic performance qualities for every sport possible. As such it is important to identify the main or priority sport/sports a facility is required for, and from there SSL can ensure the facility is designed to provide the most suitable solution.

Sport England classifies MUGAs in terms of 5 different surface types;

Type 1

Surface material: Tarmac, Priority Sports: Tennis and Basketball

Open textured porous macadam areas used for ball rebound sports where tennis is the priority and sports such as mini-tennis, netball, and basketball are secondary users. These areas are suitable for wheelchair sports although care is needed in warm weather during the first year of use.

Type 2

Surface material: Tarmac, Priority Sport: Netball

Open textured porous macadam areas used for ball rebound sports where netball is the priority and sports such as tennis, mini-tennis, and basketball are secondary users. These areas are suitable for wheelchair sports although care is needed in warm weather during the first year of use.

Type 3

Surface material: Polymeric, Priority Sports: Netball and Athletics

High grip polymeric surfaced areas used for ball rebound sports where netball is the priority and sports such as tennis, mini-tennis, and basketball are secondary users. These areas are suitable for wheelchair sports.

Type 4

Surface material: Polymeric, Priority Sports: Football and Basketball

Polymeric surfaced areas used for five-a-side 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 tennis or netball.

Type 5

Surface material: Synthetic Turf, Priority Sports: Various

Type 5 MUGAs are normally surfaced with either sand filled, sand dressed or needle-punch synthetic turf, laid over a rubber shockpad layer. These MUGAs are used for sports such as small sided hockey and five-a-side football. They are also used for training purposes for a range of activities such as athletics and rugby union and rugby league.

The SSL team have expansive knowledge of all types of MUGAs. With so many different surface options and manufacturer products available it can prove difficult to understand what is the best choice for your facility. At SSL we are able to provide our clients with independent, non manufacturer led advice and make sure that you make the best selection for your requirements.