5 Sports, One Space: Why MUGAs Are Gaining Popularity

With outdoor space at a premium and budgets under pressure, schools, leisure centres, and local councils are turning to Multi Use Games Areas (MUGAs) as a smart and flexible solution. These purpose-built surfaces allow multiple sports to be played in a single, well-marked area—without compromising performance. At Tennis Court Construction Portsmouth, we’ve seen a sharp rise in enquiries for MUGA installation across Portsmouth, UK, and it’s easy to understand why.

Whether it’s for a school playground, community sports facility, or private club, here’s why MUGAs are fast becoming the go-to choice for multi-sport versatility.

1. Maximise Space with Multi-Sport Functionality

A key advantage of a MUGA is its ability to support a range of sports in one compact footprint. This makes it ideal for urban areas or educational settings where space is limited but demand is high.

Common sports supported on a standard MUGA include:

  • Tennis
  • Football
  • Netball
  • Basketball
  • Hockey

Specialist designs can also accommodate cricket practice, volleyball, and even pickleball with the right markings and accessories. The flexibility ensures year-round usage, catering to different age groups and skill levels.

2. Cost-Efficient for Schools and Local Authorities

Instead of building separate courts or pitches for each sport, investing in a single MUGA helps reduce both capital expenditure and ongoing maintenance costs. Drainage, fencing, lighting, and surfacing are shared across all activities, offering excellent value for money.

For schools and community organisations with limited budgets, a professionally designed MUGA is a highly practical solution that supports physical education, extracurricular activities, and public use all in one place.

3. Customisable Surfacing and Line Marking

At Tennis Court Construction Portsmouth, we offer MUGA builds with a variety of surface options, each tailored to the sports being played:

  • Polymeric rubber for shock absorption and impact sports
  • Macadam (asphalt) for tennis, basketball, and general-purpose use
  • Artificial turf for football and hockey
  • Needlepunch surfacing for all-weather use and younger children

Each MUGA is marked out professionally with the correct dimensions and colours for each sport. This level of customisation ensures optimal play and safe use—without visual confusion or overcrowding of lines.

4. Low Maintenance, High Durability

Modern MUGAs are built to withstand frequent and varied use, with hard-wearing surfaces that resist cracking, puddling, and erosion. Proper drainage systems help extend the lifespan of the court, while anti-slip coatings improve safety in all weather conditions.

Routine maintenance—such as sweeping, line repainting, and surface checks—is minimal compared to grass or traditional pitches. This makes MUGAs ideal for busy sites where reliability and ease of upkeep are crucial.

5. Boosting Community Access and Engagement

Multi Use Games Areas are designed for high participation. Whether they’re installed on school grounds, parks, or sports clubs, they provide an inclusive and accessible space that encourages regular physical activity.

For councils and organisations in Portsmouth looking to promote sport, wellbeing, and community engagement, MUGAs offer:

  • All-year-round usability
  • Versatility for structured games and casual play
  • A safe, enclosed environment for children and families

With rising interest in sport and fitness across all age groups, MUGAs provide a scalable and future-proof solution.

Conclusion

Multi Use Games Areas are no longer a niche option—they’re becoming a mainstream choice for schools, councils, and clubs seeking performance, efficiency, and versatility. By accommodating a variety of sports in one well-designed space, MUGAs help make better use of available land while supporting year-round physical activity.

If you’re considering a MUGA for your facility or looking to upgrade your current sports area in Portsmouth, contact Tennis Court Construction Portsmouth today. We specialise in designing and installing high-quality MUGAs tailored to your needs—bringing five sports (and more) to one professional, durable surface.

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