Rubb’s MUGA facilities have you covered

Rubb’s MUGA facilities have you covered SAPCA has launched a new code of practice for the design and construction of multi-use games areas to ensure you get the most from versatile sports facilities. For the past 20 years MUGAs (multi-use games areas) have been a popular option for facility owners and operators looking to add to their outdoor sports offering. Due to their small size, MUGAs are a great option when it comes to converting small spaces into durable sporting areas. As they are smaller than full-sized pitches, they are mainly used for recreational use and are an ideal solution for schools, leisure centres and parks. SAPCA has recently (September 2021) published its new code of practice for the design and construction of MUGAs. “MUGAs offer a cost-effective solution for communities, schools and other facility providers with a wide range of sporting demands and limited space or budgets. The most commonly played sports on MUGAs are tennis, netball, basketball, football – including small-sided and walking football and futsal – and hockey,” says SAPCA Project Manager, Colin Corline. “Other sports that might also be played include rugby training, rounders, athletics training, volleyball, and other recreational physical activity. When correctly designed they can provide an asset that enhances the local sport and physical activity provision.” The guidance is divided into four sections: Section 1: Defines what a MUGA is, the different surface types and how the surface types are compatible with different sports. Section 2: Details the general construction requirements for MUGAs and offers design guidance and minimum standards for construction. Section 3: Offers insight into the maintenance and management of facilities once they are in use. Section 4: Outlines a checklist to consider when planning, designing, and constructing a MUGA. This comes at a great time, as the UK government is making extra funding available for grassroots football. The Prime Minister also announced earlier this year an additional £50m for community football pitches, to boost the wave of national interest in EURO 2020 and Women’s EURO 2022. Some of that funding will be made available for MUGAs. Rubb can support sporting organisations with our alternative solutions.. Rubb previously worked with Northern Ireland’s Belfast City Council and Heron Bros to design and construct a MUGA cover for Brook Leisure Centre. As part of the £15 million project, Rubb contributed a 30m span x 60m length BVE MUGA cover. The local community was consulted on what sports they would like to see represented in the new facility. To meet these expectations, Rubb developed a MUGA cover to enclose three pitches to support the numerous sports available at the centre. The pitches can be comfortably used no matter the weather with the protection of Rubb’s PVC cladding. This will be the case for many years to come, as the PVC membrane has a life expectancy of up to 25 years, and the hot dip galvanised framework can last 30. Rubb is proud to have played a part in this project, which has resulted in an amazing state-of-the-art leisure facility for the community. Rubb is set to erect a similar MUGA cover in our continued with relationship with Heron Bros for Avoniel Leisure Centre. Contact the Rubb team today to find out how we can support your business.

For more information on Rubb’s MUGA facilities have you covered talk to Rubb Buildings Ltd