Dec
MUGA Installation: A Complete Guide to Multi-Use Games Areas for Schools and Communities
Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs) have become an essential feature in schools, local parks and community sports facilities across the UK. Designed to support multiple activities within one space, they are durable, cost-effective and ideal for encouraging year-round physical activity for all age groups. Whatever its function, a well-installed MUGA can transform an underused outdoor area into a valuable asset for the community.
A MUGA is a durable, multi-sport outdoor games area used for football, basketball and general recreation. Ideal for schools and community parks, MUGAs offer year-round activity, low maintenance and long-lasting performance. Caloo designs and installs BS EN 15312 and PAS 30:1998 compliant MUGAs with custom fencing, goal ends and accessories.
Caloo is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of MUGAs, offering both standard specifications and fully customised systems. With options for fencing, goal ends, multi-sport panels, floodlighting and accessories, organisations can tailor their MUGA to suit their users, budget and location requirements. All MUGAs comply with BS EN 15312 and PAS 30:1998, ensuring safety, durability and long-term performance. With guarantees of up to 25 years, a Caloo MUGA provides lasting value for schools, sports centres and community spaces.
This guide offers a clear overview of what a MUGA is, the installation process, design choices and why choosing an experienced installer like Caloo makes a significant difference.
What Is a MUGA and Who Are They For?
A Multi-Use Games Area is an enclosed outdoor sports space designed to accommodate a wide range of ball games and physical activities. Typically fitted with goal ends, basketball hoops and multi-sport activity panels, MUGAs allow various sports to take place safely within one dedicated court.
They are suitable for:
•Schools and academies needing reliable outdoor sports facilities
•Community parks looking to provide free access to structured sport
•Sports centres wanting flexible courts for multiple age groups
•Housing developments offering recreation spaces for residents
•Youth clubs and parish councils providing safe, enclosed activity areas
MUGAs maximise outdoor space by supporting several sports on a single court. This versatility makes them ideal where budgets are limited or land is restricted, while still providing high-quality, heavy-duty facilities compliant with national standards.
The Benefits of Installing a MUGA
Installing a MUGA offers a wide range of benefits for schools, councils and community organisations. While each site may have different priorities, the advantages remain consistent:
Supports regular physical activity
MUGAs encourage active lifestyles by offering dedicated, accessible spaces for sport. This is particularly valuable for schools delivering daily physical activity and PE lessons.
Suitable for all seasons
Unlike grass areas, which can become muddy or unusable in bad weather, a MUGA provides a stable playing surface all year round.
Low maintenance
Well-constructed MUGAs require minimal upkeep, making them cost-effective over their lifespan.
Safe and controlled
The enclosed design helps reduce ball loss, manage supervision and provide a clear, defined play space.
High durability
Heavy-duty fencing, robust goal ends, and long-lasting materials ensure the court stands up to frequent use.
Multi-sport flexibility
One court can support football, basketball, cricket panels, netball (with modifications), and recreational games, depending on the layout.
Strong return on investment
With guarantees of up to 25 years, a MUGA becomes a long-term community asset.
Caloo’s MUGA range is designed to provide reliable performance for high-traffic sites, supporting active communities and busy school environments.
MUGA Design Options
Every site is unique, which is why Caloo offers both standard MUGA configurations and fully customised designs. A wide product range allows organisations to tailor their installation to specific requirements.
Fencing Options
Caloo provides several types of fencing to suit different location needs:
Higher fencing can help prevent ball loss in parks or busy school environments, while lower fencing may be preferred for smaller sites or younger age groups.
Goal Ends & Multi-Sport Panels
A wide variety of goal ends are available, including:
•Football goal ends
•Basketball hoops
•Multi-use combination goal ends
•Cricket panels
•Colour walls
•Target and rebound walls
These allow users to play several sports without needing additional infrastructure.
Floodlighting allows schools, parks and community sites to extend operating hours safely. Caloo offers a dedicated range of Floodlighting for MUGAs, suitable for early evenings, winter months or supervised community sessions.
Court Layout and Surfacing
Caloo works with organisations to design the layout, markings and internal configuration required. Appropriate surfacing is selected based on usage needs and budget, ensuring a reliable, even playing experience throughout the year.
Accessories and Add-Ons
Additional features can include:
•Gates and access points
•Spectator seating or benches
•Sports panels for independent practice
•Court line markings
All these elements combine to deliver a practical, accessible and engaging space for sports and play.
Safety Standards and Compliance
Safety is essential in any public or educational play environment. Caloo’s MUGA installations comply with:
BS EN 15312 – Requirements and test methods for free-access multi-sports equipment
PAS 30:1998 – Standards governing outdoor recreational multi-sports equipment
These standards ensure:
•Equipment durability
•Impact safety
•Structural integrity
•Safe play for users of varying ages
By choosing a MUGA that meets these standards, schools and councils can be confident they are investing in equipment that is both safe and built to last.
The MUGA Installation Process
Caloo provides a complete design and build service to ensure each MUGA installation is smooth, efficient and tailored to the site.
Site Consultation
A specialist visits the site to understand space, access and user requirements.
Design & Planning
Caloo prepares a layout based on the organisation’s needs, including 3D illustrations and 2D technical drawings if required.
Choosing Fencing & Goal Ends
Clients select from a wide range of fencing heights, goal ends, panels and accessories.
Surfacing & Markings
Options are discussed to ensure the right surfacing is used for the intended sports.
Installation
Caloo’s experienced contractors complete the installation safely and efficiently.
Final Checks & Finishing Touches
This may include painting line markings or installing accessories after weather conditions allow.
Long-Term Support
All MUGAs come with guarantees of up to 25 years, ensuring peace of mind for years to come.
The benefit of choosing Caloo is that everything is handled in-house, from design concepts to installation and aftercare.
MUGA Installation Case Studies
Real-world examples demonstrate Caloo’s reliability, communication and quality of work. These projects reflect the needs of diverse communities and organisations.
The MUGA in Aston Clinton Park was installed in December 2015. The parish clerk praised Caloo for being easy to work with, communicative and tidy throughout. The team completed the project within the agreed timeframe and later returned to apply final markings once conditions were suitable. The MUGA has since become a popular, well-constructed and colourful feature in the park and is described as “highly recommended”.
Sefton Council – Moorside Park
Sefton Council needed to refurbish a run-down area of the park. Caloo delivered a well-constructed MUGA that has turned the previously underused space into a busy recreational zone. The area is now “always in use”, often by several groups at once, and has been welcomed by residents and community users. This installation highlights Caloo’s ability to revitalise neglected areas and create meaningful, high-impact community spaces.
Why Choose Caloo for Your MUGA Installation?
Caloo is one of the UK’s leading providers of outdoor play and fitness installations, including MUGAs, sports courts and playground equipment. Organisations choose Caloo because:
•They offer standard and bespoke MUGA designs
•All products meet BS EN 15312 and PAS 30:1998
•A wide range of fencing, goal ends and accessories are available
•Installations come with up to 25 years of guaranteed performance
•The full process is handled in-house: design, build, installation and support
•Caloo has completed thousands of installations nationwide
•Schools, councils and sports centres trust Caloo for reliability and quality
•Their expertise ensures each MUGA is safe, long-lasting and tailored to its users.
Start Your MUGA Project with Caloo
A high-quality MUGA is an investment that delivers long-term benefits for schools, parks and communities.
To request a consultation or discuss your project, contact the team today:
📞 01296 614 448
✉️ info@caloo.co.uk
References:
NHS – Benefits of Exercise
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/
Sport England – Active Lives Data
https://sportengland.org/know-your-audience/data/active-lives
