Getting value for money is critical for schools and clubs investing in sports facilities, and one of the best ways to deliver value is by installing a Multi-Use Games Area.
With traditional built sports halls out of reach of most budgets, a floodlit all-weather sports canopy covering a MUGA will deliver all-year-round activity at a fraction of the cost.
For many schools and clubs this has also proved to be an income earner as opening up the facility to the wider community at evenings and weekends has generated cash to help cover the capital costs of the build. If linking to the community is an approach that appeals, then a range of funding bodies will consider providing grant support, further helping with the costs.
For some clients the idea of opening up facilities to the community might seem complicated. To assist, companies such as www.schoollettings.org work with many schools and colleges throughout the UK to support the lettings process for out of school access, whether it be sports facilities or school halls. There are many community sports clubs such as football, rugby, hockey, netball, korfball, basketball, karate and kickboxing, as well as health and fitness sessions that rely heavily on the availability of such accessible venues to function.
In Sport England’s report on covered outdoor space, called Designing for Physical Activity, the organisation says,
“Covered outdoor spaces can provide a lower cost and convenient way to encourage and support a variety of community activities.”
The report is a comprehensive run-down on construction considerations, playing surfaces, wind protection and lighting issues that should be considered when creating a covered MUGA.
The stats linked to covered courts are impressive with many clubs reporting as much as four times the utilisation compared to open courts.
But it is not just sports participation that can benefit from the installation of a covered MUGA. The Head Teacher of Revoe Learning Academy used the installation of his all-weather pitch to change attitudes towards the school.
The Blackpool school was in Special Measures back in 2013 leading to Head Teacher Dayle Harrison being appointed. To help galvanise the school and create a positive focus he decided to create a covered all-weather sports area. This catalyst for change engaged pupils, transformed opinions of the school and provided a positive focal point for the wider community.
A floodlit All-Weather Sports Canopy from Streetspace provides the ultimate in covered multi-use games areas with unique, no glare lighting, excellent light transmission, a one-piece PVC tensile membrane with no joins to trap dirt or moisture and up to 36m of clear-span frame creating stunning design forms.
For details on the Community Asset Fund and a range of other grant providers visit the Funding Guidance page on the Streetspace website.
To find out more visit www.streetspacegroup.co.uk or call 01227 200404.
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