What to Expect When Planning and Constructing a MUGA

Planning and constructing a Multi-Use Games Area might feel overwhelming—especially if you don’t know what to expect. But whether you’re running a school, sports club, or community organisation, getting to grips with the construction process empowers you to create a safe, durable, and versatile sports facility.

A MUGA offers a flexible space for a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and tennis. Building one involves several key stages—planning, surfacing, line marking, fencing, and lighting. Depending on your site and requirements, the entire process typically takes between 4 to 12 weeks.

In this guide, we break down each step clearly, so you can plan your sports area with confidence and choose the surface that best suits your needs.

What is a MUGA and Why Choose One?

A Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) is a purpose-built outdoor sports facility that lets you play a range of sports on a single surface. Whether it’s five-a-side football, netball, basketball, hockey, or tennis, a MUGA makes the most of your available space while keeping costs down.

Why Choose a MUGA?

Maximise space – Play multiple sports on one surface.
Built to last – Withstand heavy foot traffic and frequent use.
Tailor to your needs – Choose your own line markings, fencing, floodlights, and surface.
Use it year-round – With the right surface, you can play in almost any weather.

Schools, universities, local councils, leisure centres, and private sports clubs all choose MUGAs to create versatile, cost-effective sports areas that deliver long-term value.

Key Considerations For Planning

Before breaking ground, careful planning is essential. Here are the critical factors to consider during the early stages:

1. Who Will Be Using the MUGA?

Identify the primary users:

School children?
Amateur sports teams?
Community recreational groups?

Knowing your users helps determine which sports to prioritise and the level of wear and tear expected.

2. What Sports Will Be Played?

This determines the surface type, size, and required line markings. For example:

Netball and tennis require accurate grip and bounce, often calling for polymeric surfaces.
Football may benefit from 3G artificial turf for a softer playing experience.

3. Budget and Funding Options

MUGA construction is an investment, but there are funding options available:

Local council grants
National Lottery funding
Sport-specific governing bodies Nova Sport can help advise on cost-effective materials without compromising quality.

4. Size and Space Constraints

Depending on your site, your MUGA might need to conform to certain dimensions. A full-size football pitch may not be possible—but compact MUGAs can still support multiple sports with smart design.

5. Surface Type Selection

The right surface ensures safety, playability, and longevity. Popular options include:

Macadam – ideal for tennis and basketball; long-lasting and low maintenance.
Polymeric rubber – shock-absorbent; excellent for netball, athletics, and multi-sport areas.
3G/4G synthetic turf – ideal for football and rugby.

6. Fencing and Floodlighting

These features enhance safety, security, and usability:

Welded mesh fencing ensures durability and ball retention.
Floodlighting extends play into the evenings, increasing facility use

The MUGA Construction Process: Step by Step

Understanding the construction process helps set expectations and timelines. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Step 1: Site Survey and Initial Planning

Nova Sport will begin with a site assessment, evaluating:

Ground conditions
Drainage requirements
Access points
Surrounding area impact

Planning permission may be required, especially for larger installations or those involving lighting. Nova Sport can guide you through the application.

Step 2: Groundworks

The site is cleared, excavated, and levelled. A strong sub-base is then laid using permeable materials such as MOT type 1 aggregate, ensuring stability and effective drainage.

Step 3: Surface Installation

Based on your choice, the surface will be constructed layer by layer. For example:

Macadam and polymeric surfaces are laid using hot-lay asphalt followed by colour coatings.
Synthetic turf systems involve installing a shock pad layer, artificial grass, and infill (sand or rubber crumb).

Step 4: Line Marking and Customisation

Once the surface is set, sports-specific line markings are painted using durable, weather-resistant paint. Nova Sport can also include:

Custom logos
Colour zones for each sport
School or club branding

Step 5: Fencing and Lighting Installation

Install perimeter fencing for security and ball containment. If required, floodlights and access gates are added to allow extended use and accessibility.

Step 6: Finishing Touches and Handover

The area is cleaned, inspected, and tested. A handover pack including maintenance guidance is provided to help keep it in top condition.

Timeline & Disruption: What to Expect

Most MUGA projects take between 4 and 12 weeks to complete, depending on factors such as:

The chosen surface type
Ground conditions
Weather-related delays
Design complexity

Nova Sport keeps disruption to a minimum by providing clear, upfront scheduling and maintaining consistent communication throughout the project. We install temporary fencing and manage access routes to keep the site safe and secure while work is underway.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Ongoing maintenance is crucial for keeping your MUGA safe, attractive, and functional.

Regular Maintenance Tasks:

Sweeping debris and leaves
Power washing hard surfaces
Brushing synthetic turf to prevent matting
Re-marking lines every few years
Checking for surface damage or wear

Nova Sport offers tailored maintenance packages to support schools and sports clubs in preserving their facilities.

Why Choose Nova Sport?

Nova Sport is a trusted name in MUGA design and installation across the UK, known for delivering high-quality, tailored solutions for schools, councils, and sports clubs. We provide:

End-to-end project management
Expert advice on surface types and configurations
High-quality materials from certified suppliers
Full compliance with Sport England and safety regulations

From concept to completion, Nova Sport ensures your facility is built to last and tailored to your users’ needs.

Ready to Build a MUGA That Delivers Long-Term Value?

Constructing a MUGA is more than laying a surface—it’s about designing a safe, functional, and inclusive space for sport and physical activity. With the right planning and a reliable partner like Nova Sport, your facility can provide years of enjoyment for students, athletes, and communities alike.

If you’re considering a MUGA for your organisation, get in touch with Nova Sport today to arrange a free consultation or site survey. Let’s build your sports area the right way.