Multi use games areas (MUGA) are exactly as the name suggests – areas where lots of activities can take place. They are generally situated in areas where there is restricted space such as urban parks, housing association centres, schools, leisure centres and holiday parks. One of the benefits of a multi use games areas is that it may be used by people of all ages. Teenagers, in particular, benefit from having a safe place to hang out with their friends and compete against one another.
Communities who install multi use games areas feel united and reassured that their children have a safe area in which to play. Local councils inspired by the 2012 London Olympics encourage exercise by placing MUGAs in areas young people like to meet up.
Without a doubt, any kind of exercise is healthier than none at all. The NHS Choices website recommends that children between the ages of 5 – 18 years old should participate in 60 minutes of physical exercise a day. Exercise should vary between moderate (cycling and playground activities) to vigorous (running and team games). Children should also do exercises that strengthen their muscles and bones three times a week. Cardiovascular exercises such as running improve the heart muscles and build up stamina. Muscle exercises not only increase body strength they help prevent obesity because muscles burn calories efficiently. Children who participate in regular exercise reduce the risk of suffering from type 2 diabetes, heart conditions and strokes in adulthood.
Teenagers are generally the age range that benefits from multi use games areas the most. Often MUGAs are used as meeting places where young people either connect socially or play friendly matches against each other. Groups of young people can sometimes seem intimidating at times to bystanders but it is an integral part of growing up. Teenagers need to develop social skills, learn how to deal with broken friendships and have their heart broken otherwise they will find grown up life very difficult to cope with. Social media is isolating, misleading and can lead to bullying and unhealthy relationships. Multi use games areas allow young people to socialise in the real world and form much healthier relationships.
As a general rule multi use games areas are rectangular enclosures with basketball hoops, goal posts and soft surfacing with pitch markings. You can choose from a very simple design which is just a football pitch to MUGAs with everything you need to play a multitude of team games. The two shorter sides are equipped with different types of walls including; Sportswall, Junior Sportswall, Basket Goal Handball, Basket Goal Brasilia and Target Rebound Wall. Multi use games areas are suitable for any size of budget and age of children, making them a versatile and positive investment for the health and well-being of future generations.
To discuss your options regarding multi use games areas please contact us here.
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