Multi-Use Games Areas, also known as MUGAs, have become a popular solution for schools, sports clubs and communities looking to make the most of the space they have available. Designed to accommodate a wide range of sports, MUGAs are versatile surfaces and smart investments. One sport we’re asked to consider in particular when installing MUGAs is netball, an increasingly popular school offering.
At AS Sports, we know how important it is to balance performance, durability and practicality when designing a surface for multiple sports. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes MUGAs such a smart choice, highlight their benefits, and take a closer look at some of the projects we’ve delivered with netball in mind.
What is a MUGA?
A MUGA (or Multi-Use Games Area) is a sports surface designed to accommodate a variety of different activities in a single space. MUGAs offer a versatile and cost-effective solution for schools, clubs, and community facilities, allowing them to cater for a range of sports without the need for individual surfaces. They come with a host of benefits. Let’s take a closer look.
The Benefits of Multi-Use Games Areas
Space Saving
The flexibility offered by MUGAs ensures that schools can make the most of the space they have available. It would be near impossible for schools to have pitches and courts for each and every sport they’d like to offer their students, especially if space is limited. MUGAs solve this problem in one versatile space.
Cost-Effective
MUGAs are a cost effective option due to the materials used and the versatility. Installing multiple surfaces rather than a multi-use games area would be a much larger investment. No matter your budget, there’s a variety of options available that can cater for your school, college or university.
Accessible All Year-Round
Unlike natural grass pitches that often become unusable in poor weather conditions, MUGAs allow pupils to take part in sporting activities all year round, no matter the weather. They are free-draining and don’t become water-logged in rain, and are able to be used in the winter months.
Low Maintenance
Not only will your pupils be able to play multiple sports without trouble on a MUGA, the surface requires very little maintenance. Your students will always be able to use the surface, without the need for your school to budget for a groundskeeper or expensive supplies. Simply make sure you’re clearing away debris regularly, brushing the surface and de-weeding if synthetic grass has been used, and checking infill levels if necessary.
Surface Types for Netball and Multi-Sport Use
Choosing the right surface is one of the most important decisions when designing a MUGA. The surface needs to provide good grip, durability and consistent performance, while also being suitable for a variety of sports. For facilities that host netball alongside other activities such as football, basketball or tennis, selecting a versatile surface is key. Let’s look at three commonly used surface types for netball and multi-sport facilities.
Porous Macadam
Porous macadam is a popular choice for MUGAs. This type of surface consists of an open-textured asphalt layer that allows water to drain through it, helping to keep the court playable in a range of weather conditions. Once installed, porous macadam is typically finished with a coloured anti-slip coating and sport-specific line markings. The result is a durable and low-maintenance surface that provides the grip and stability required for sports like netball and basketball. Its strength and reliability make it ideal for facilities that see frequent daily use.
Polymeric Rubber
Polymeric rubber surfaces are another excellent option for MUGAs. Made from layers of rubber granules bound together with polyurethane, these surfaces offer additional cushioning. This shock-absorbing quality can help reduce impact on joints during activities that involve quick changes of direction, such as netball. Polymeric surfaces also provide consistent traction and can be installed in a variety of colours.
Sand-Dressed Synthetic Turf
Sand-dressed synthetic turf is often chosen for MUGAs where a softer, more grass-like surface is preferred. The synthetic fibres are supported by a layer of sand infill, which helps keep the fibres upright and improves stability during play. It offers good durability and year-round usability, making this surface suitable for facilities that host a wide range of activities.
Why MUGAs Are Ideal for Netball
Netball is a fast-paced, high-impact game. MUGAs can be tailored to meet its requirements, making them an excellent choice for netball. Modern MUGA surfaces – such as polymeric rubber, porous macadam or synthetic turf – provide the grip and comfort needed to play netball safely. For sites where space or budgets might not allow for a dedicated netball court, a MUGA offers a high-performance, multi-purpose solution without compromising on quality.
Project Highlights: MUGAs Built With Netball in Mind
At AS Sports, we’ve had the pleasure of delivering a wide range of multi-sport facilities that cater specifically to the needs of netball, without compromising on flexibility for other sports. Here are a few standout MUGA projects where netball has played a central role in the design and delivery.
Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School
In 2023, we worked on a project for Chatham & Clarendon Grammar School in Ramsgate, transforming their tired sand-filled pitch into a brand new, state-of-the-art MUGA with netball in mind. We installed a polymeric surface with tennis, basketball and netball markings, and were delighted with the outcome. It has since been used by over 100 local junior school students for Thanet Netball League.
Tong Leadership Academy
In 2024, we installed a sand-dressed, synthetic grass MUGA for Tong Leadership Academy in Bradford. The school wanted to cater to both tennis and netball in one space, so we made sure the surface had markings and was suitable for both sports.
Kings Langley School
In 2024, we worked on a project at Kings Langley School, installing a macadam MUGA that catered for both tennis and netball. The surface is suitable for both sports, saving the school money and making the most of the space they had.
Considering a MUGA for Netball or Multi-Sport Use?
If you’re planning a new multi-use games area, now’s a great time to start the conversation. Get in touch with the AS Sports team to find out how we can help you create a space that meets your sporting needs.
