Get active – get a MUSA

Currently three in ten boys and four in ten girls aged two to 15 are not doing the amount of physical activity recommended.   Since 2003, obesity has risen by 38% in adults and by 2010 it is thought that 22% of girls and 19% of boys between the ages of two and 15 will be chronically obese.

The government recommends that children and young people get one hour of physical activity a day.  This activity should be of at least moderate intensity and should include activities to improve bone health, muscle strength and flexibility - activities that are 'weight bearing' help build strong bones. 
By providing a mix of physical sport and play challenges we can encourage not only teenagers, but the wider community including senior citizens to engage in fun activities that capture the imagination and give real health and fitness benefits.  We believe that fitness and strength building should form part of the experience, along with the development of new and existing skills and in many cases we find that the benefits of a Multi Use Sports Area (MUSA) can transform the fitness, activity and positive participation levels of a community.

MUSA vs MUGA   

Proludic believe that a MUGA should be all-encompassing and appeal to a wider group.  Although Proludic still offer the traditional MUGA as an option, in many cases, we find that the benefits of a MUSA overwhelmingly outweigh those of a simple ball court.

The Traditional MUGA

Originally defined as being ‘an area used by the whole community, across all age groups and both sexes, for a number of sport and games’ the term MUGA has become to mean a tarmaced ball court where teenagers practice and challenge each other to ball games.
Whilst in some instances MUGAs provide an ideal solution, our research has shown that in a large number of cases MUGAs do not achieve the desired results.  Our research has shown that they often just provide a better facility for existing users rather that attracting new participants.

Features & Benefits

• Caters well for team sports and competitive games.
• Low maintenance.

The MUSA Concept

A Multi Use Sports Area combines dynamic sports and outdoor fitness equipment with ball and wheeled sports, providing teenagers and the wider community with challenging and inclusive areas that cross age ranges, skill levels, cultural boundaries and appeal to both sexes.

Features & Benefits

• Appeals to a wider demographic due to the range of different activities.
• Attracts girls as the activities provided reach far beyond football and basketball.
• More inclusive as it provides a mix of team and individual activities.
• Attracts families and senior citizens due to the available use and nature of the activities.
• Sustainable as the varying levels of challenge keeps users coming back.
• Reduces anti-social behaviour due to the challenge, risk and physical exertion needed to master the equipment.

“Since we introduced our new concept, we have been delighted with the response from our customers and with the feedback from their communities.  We have had particular interest from those customers who are interested in appealing to the wider demographic and actively involving girls in the sports and play environment.” – Dave Bailey Proludic Marketing Manager.

“Here in Rushcliffe we have built two MUSAs particularly with the aim of engaging young people and teenagers in informal physical activity. The response to these facilities has been fantastic – our target markets love them.   The manner in which teenage girls have used the sites is one of the most pleasing aspects of their success.” - Brian Knowles - Leisure Facilities Manager for Rushcliffe Borough Council

“The area is now thriving with the young people of Bristol using it to have fun – the very purpose for which the MUSA was intended.” - Jill Batton, Play Support Officer for Bristol City Council.

Proludic Ltd, The Pump House, Abbey Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham, NG2 5NE
T: 0115 982 3980  F: 0115 982 3985  W: www.proludicsport.co.uk

The Association of Play Industries Federation House Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire CV8 2RF

T +44(0) 24 76 414999 ext 208
F +44(0) 24 76 414990
E api@api-play.org