MUGA – Multi Use Games Area

A Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) is exactly what it sounds like – a surface that can be used for different sports and activities. It may also be defined as a synthetic turf sports area that is less than 3000m².

When planning a new MUGA, you need to consider the following:

• Primary use of the surface
• Cushioning
• Surface finishes

The first aspect to think about is the priority for the use of the surface. Is it going to be used mainly as a playground? Or will it be used mainly for playing other sports such as netball, basketball, football, hockey or tennis?

Once you know this, you can decide on the level of cushioning and the surface finish.

The level of cushioning needed is related to the age of the user and to the ball rebound. For example, if the area will mainly be used for tennis it will need a harder surface than if it will mainly be used for football.

Similarly, the choice of surface finish depends on the games that will be played on the surface. The options for the surface finish include a plain macadam surface, a sand dressed carpet, with the addition of a shockpad or a polymeric rubber crumb anti slip coating.

My technical knowledge and experience enables me to help you choose between the different types of surfaces.