MUGA Markings: Creating a Multi-Use Games Area for Schools

A MUGA (multi-use games area) is a single marked-out space where several sports and games can be played, instead of separate courts or pitches for each one. In a school, a MUGA is usually created by laying thermoplastic playground markings on an existing tarmac or concrete area, so one playground can host football, netball, basketball, tennis and more.

We design and install MUGA markings for schools, nurseries, councils and sports organisations across the UK. This guide covers what a MUGA can include, how schools use one and how a new MUGA is usually funded.

What is a MUGA (multi-use games area)?

A MUGA, or multi-use games area, is a section of a school playground or sports facility that is surfaced and marked for several sports and activities at once. Because the lines for each sport are permanent, the area can switch from netball to football without any re-marking or setting up.

Instead of building separate pitches, a MUGA uses overlapping or colour-coded markings to create several game zones in the same space. That makes it the natural choice for schools without large playing fields. When the area is planned with enough length and width, a MUGA can even take two games at the same time. It is also inclusive by design: with a range of sports on offer, more pupils find an activity they enjoy and can do well at.

Why does a school need a MUGA?

A school needs a MUGA when it wants more sport and active play than its outdoor space would allow with separate courts and pitches, because one multi-use area can serve PE lessons, breaktimes and clubs on the same footprint. A MUGA saves space and money, gets more pupils active at the same time, and gives the PE curriculum a permanent, ready-marked area for lessons.

• It saves space. Fitting separate courts onto a small playground often produces undersized pitches that do the same job. One MUGA frees the rest of the playground for other activities.
• It saves money. The budget goes on one versatile area and one set of markings, and there is only one surface to maintain and repair.
• It raises activity levels. Pupils have a clear place to be active at break, lunchtime and in PE, and the choice of sports suits different interests and abilities.
• It builds skills. Trying several sports develops both team skills and individual technique, and helps pupils discover what they are good at.
• It encourages social play. Team games teach co-operation, communication and friendly competition.
• It can bring in income. Some schools let their MUGA to local groups for after-school and community activities.

Which sports can MUGA markings include?

MUGA markings can include courts and pitches for football, basketball, netball, tennis, hockey, rounders, badminton and rugby, combined in whatever mix suits the school's PE curriculum and space. We recommend a different colour for each sport so pupils can follow the right lines.

Popular combinations include:

• Football and basketball: a dual-purpose pitch with football goals and basketball hoops.
• Netball and tennis: overlapping courts with clear, easy-to-follow lines.
• Hockey and rounders: markings suited to a range of PE lessons and lunchtime games.

On a large playground the markings can subdivide the space into smaller sections, while on a small one different coloured lines let several sports share the same court. You can see the court layouts we offer in our sports court playground markings.

What other markings can go into a MUGA besides court lines?

A MUGA can also include skills zones, fitness trails and footwork games alongside the court lines, so the space supports warm-ups, drills and free play as well as matches. These extra markings keep the area busy when no game is being played.

Skills and training zones

• Dribbling and passing circuits for football and basketball practice.
• Agility ladders and sprint tracks for warm-ups and PE drills.
• Target zones for aiming games and throwing practice.

Fitness trails and challenges

• Exercise circuits that set children a series of physical challenges.
• Hopscotch and footwork games that combine fun with movement.
• Stepping stones and balance paths that improve coordination and motor skills.

Mile tracks around the edge of a MUGA are another popular addition, and our fitness trail markings can wrap around or run alongside the courts.

Why are thermoplastic markings used for a MUGA instead of paint?

Thermoplastic markings are used for a MUGA because they last up to 10 times longer than ordinary paint, resist fading and need no regular repainting. They carry a manufacturer's warranty of up to 4 years, subject to ground condition, and we have seen them last over 10 years.

• Durability: hard-wearing and weather-resistant, which keeps maintenance costs down.
• Grip: the markings are anti-slip and can be played on in any weather, which suits rainy areas.
• Bright colours: a wide choice of colours makes each sport easy to pick out.
• Quick installation: the markings are ready to use within 30 minutes of installation.
• Suitable surfaces: they can be installed on tarmac, concrete, macadam and other outdoor surfaces, which often avoids the cost of resurfacing.
• Custom designs: layouts, colours and branding can be tailored to your school.

How can schools make the most of a MUGA?

Schools make the most of a MUGA by timetabling it for PE lessons and using it for break and lunchtime play, after-school clubs and inter-school competitions. A well planned MUGA is in use for most of the school day, not just during PE.

• PE lessons: structured activities using the marked courts and skills zones.
• Break and lunchtime play: a clear space that keeps children active.
• After-school clubs: team sports and extracurricular activities.
• Inter-school competitions: hosting mini tournaments with other schools.
• Inclusive play: markings chosen to suit a range of abilities and interests.
• Community use: letting the area to local clubs outside school hours.

How can a school fund a new MUGA?

A school usually funds a new MUGA from a capital or premises budget, PTA fundraising or a grant, because DfE rules say the PE and sport premium must not be used for capital spending such as new multi-use games areas or mile tracks. Refreshing the lines on an existing MUGA is different and can count as routine maintenance.

Our PE and Sport Premium guide explains what the premium can and cannot pay for, and our article on playground funding and grants covers the other routes schools use.

How does Uniplay design and install a MUGA?

Uniplay designs and installs a MUGA by visiting the site to scope the area, drawing up a bespoke layout around your space, surface and sports curriculum, and then installing the markings with our own team. Everything is done in-house, from design to installation.

During the site visit our team advises on the outline and planning so the space is used as fully as possible, and the design that follows reflects your requirements, including colour scheme and branded markings. We work with primary and secondary schools, colleges, councils, sports teams and activity centres, and we stay in touch after installation to make sure you are happy with the result.

If you already have a MUGA that is worn or looking dull, we can remove the old lines and install new ones. To talk about a new or refreshed MUGA, call 0333 321 6699 or email info@uni-play.co.uk.