The main objective of choosing a MUGA surface was simple: to give students a place to play sports all year round, with a focus on football, both 7-a-side and 5-a-side. With the unpredictable British weather, having a dependable surface means the fun doesn’t stop, come rain or shine. In collaboration with a nearby contractor, the college was recommended to explore several potential options, ultimately opting for Playrite’s Matchplay 2 due to its outstanding features that met the college’s needs.
Ken smith, Area Sales Manager from Playrite commented “With the college looking to cover such an expansive area, it was imperative that a multi-sport surface would deliver a solution that accommodated all of their needs. We worked with the Design Team to establish what their long term objectives were for the overall sports facilities, to ensure the surface they chose would more than meet them”.
The college selected Playrite’s Matchplay 2 in a green shade to seamlessly integrate with the pitch’s surroundings. This particular MUGA surface allows students to use outdoor pitches throughout the year, enabling sports and recreational activities in any weather conditions. Additionally, its cost- effective maintenance ensures the college can allocate resources effectively for long-term sustainability.
Taking charge of the main installation was Smith Construction (Heckington) Ltd, a trusted name in installations. They were tasked with installing Matchplay 2 surface, covering an impressive 2000 square metres. Sophie Spencer, Contracts Coordinator & Health and Safety Manager at Smith Construction (Heckington) Ltd comments, “Working on the Sir Harry Smith Community College project was a real pleasure. We take pride in our work, knowing it makes a difference in the community. We’re confi dent this new facility will be enjoyed by many for years to come.”
With the new MUGA surface in place, students can expect to enjoy a boost in their outdoor sports activities. Whether it’s a casual kickabout or a competitive match, the improved facilities are encouraging more students to get active. And it’s not just the students who will benefi t – the whole community stands to gain from having access to better sports facilities.
Ken Smith, further commented “We’re thrilled to have been part of this project. Our aim with the Matchplay 2 MUGA surface was to provide a reliable, high-performance solution for sports enthusiasts. We hope it inspires students to stay active and pursue their passions.”
If you are looking to update your sport facilities and would like further information about Playrite’s surfaces, please do not hesitate to contact the team.
Calthorpe Academy, located in the heart of Birmingham, serves as a beacon of education and community engagement. With a commitment to holistic development, the academy sought to enhance its outdoor facilities to provide students with versatile spaces for physical activity and recreation.
Understanding the signifi cance of a well-equipped outdoor environment, Calthorpe Academy embarked on a project to install a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) within its premises.
The project encountered several challenges typical of outdoor installations. Birmingham’s climate, with its unpredictable weather patterns, posed a signifi cant obstacle, requiring a solution that could withstand varying conditions without compromising performance. Additionally, the academy aimed to balance durability and aesthetics while adhering to budget constraints.
To address these challenges, Calthorpe Academy collaborated with dbdplay, led by Sales Manager Georgia Webb, and Playrite, represented by Sales Director Chris Pickles.
The selected solution was Playrite’s Matchwinner Velour MUGA, featuring vibrant blue, yellow, and green colors to invigorate the outdoor space.
The decision to opt for Playrite’s Matchwinner Velour MUGA was driven by its exceptional qualities perfectly aligned with the academy’s requirements. Firstly, the surface offers all-year round access to outdoor pitches, ensuring students can engage in sports and recreational activities regardless of weather conditions. Moreover, its low maintenance costs provide long-term sustainability, allowing the academy to allocate resources efficiently.
Georgia Webb, Sales Manager at dbdplay, expressed confidence in the choice of Playrite’s Matchwinner Velour, stating, “We selected Playrite’s solution for its durability and performance, essential factors for an educational institution like Calthorpe Academy.”
The installation of Playrite’s Matchwinner Velour MUGA at Calthorpe Academy has transformed the outdoor environment into a dynamic hub for student engagement and physical activity. The vibrant colors not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also inspire a sense of vitality and energy among students. With allyear- round access and minimal maintenance requirements, the MUGA ensures that students can enjoy outdoor activities safely and conveniently.
Chris Pickles, Sales Director at Playrite, commented on the successful completion of the project, stating, “We are delighted to have provided dbdplay and Calthorpe Academy with a solution that meets their requirements for durability, performance, and aesthetics. Playrite remains committed to supporting educational institutions in creating engaging outdoor spaces for students.”
The partnership between Calthorpe Academy, dbdplay, and Playrite has resulted in the successful installation of a high-quality MUGA, enriching the educational experience and promoting physical well-being among students.
Lighthouse School, nestled in the heart of Leeds, is dedicated to providing a nurturing educational environment for its students. Recognising the importance of outdoor activities in child development, the school was keen on upgrading an existing outdoor sports court to offer a durable and vibrant surfacing solution that could withstand heavy foot traffic and provide a stimulating area for play and sports activities. Enter Playrite’s Matchplay 2, a high-quality synthetic sports surface known for its resilience and performance.
Playrite’s Matchplay 2 emerged as the ideal solution for Lighthouse School’s playground revitalisation project. The vibrant purple color not only added an element of excitement to the space but also provided a visually stimulating backdrop for various activities. Moreover, Matchplay 2’s durability and low-maintenance characteristics made it a practical choice for the school’s long-term investment in its infrastructure.
Mark Bucknall, Director of EB Sports, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “Working with Playrite’s Matchplay 2 at Lighthouse School has been a fulfilling experience. The product’s quality and ease of installation have allowed us to deliver a premium surface that meets both aesthetic and functional requirements.”
Chris Pickles, Playrite’s Sales Director, emphasised the significance of the project in enhancing outdoor play experiences for children. He remarked, “At Playrite, we are committed to creating spaces that inspire and empower communities. The transformation of Lighthouse School’s playground exemplifies our dedication to delivering innovative surfacing solutions that promote physical activity and well-being. We are delighted to have played a part in enriching the lives of the students at Lighthouse School.”
The installation of Playrite’s Matchplay 2 at Lighthouse School has yielded positive outcomes for both students and faculty alike. The vibrant purple surface has become a focal point of the school’s outdoor court, encouraging children to engage in active play and sports activities. Furthermore, the durability and low-maintenance nature of Matchplay 2 have provided peace of mind to the school administration, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for years to come.
The collaboration between Lighthouse School, EB Sports, contractors Flexit Solutions and Playrite has resulted in the successful transformation of a mundane playground into a dynamic space for learning and recreation. Through the installation of Matchplay 2, the project has not only enhanced the physical environment but has also contributed to the overall well-being and development of the students. Lighthouse School stands as a shining example of the positive impact of investing in quality outdoor infrastructure for educational institutions.
Merstham Primary School, a proud member of the GLF group of schools, is committed to providing a nurturing environment where children grow, learn, and flourish. Located in London, the school embarked on a remarkable journey to revitalise their barren playground into a dynamic space where children could thrive.
Teaming up with Newby Leisure, approved Playrite partner, Merstham Primary School ensured that the playground design met the specific needs of their early years’ foundation team. The result was an inspiring outdoor play area featuring caves, streams, a mud kitchen, and sand areas, fostering exploration and imaginative play.
To withstand the diverse play elements, Newby Leisure recommended Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30, an artificial turf known for its durability, safety, and versatility. This choice allowed children to freely engage in sand, mud, and play in inclement weather without the inconvenience of a natural grass surface transforming into a muddy quagmire.
Headteacher Gavin Oulton commented, “The children adore their new play area, learning through play and having a blast. In fact, we now have difficulty getting them back into the classroom as they want to be outside all the time!”
The acclaim extended beyond the school, as the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Frank Kelly, officially inaugurated the playground, braving the snow. The children eagerly invited the mayor to return and experience the equipment firsthand.
Merstham Primary School’s commitment to providing an exceptional learning experience is evident in the transformation of their playground. Through imaginative play and exploration in this vibrant outdoor setting, students gain invaluable skills, forge lifelong memories, all while staying safe and clean thanks to the gentle cushioning of Nearlygrass 30 underfoot.
Ready to transform your playground into a dynamic space for learning and play?
Contact us today to learn more about Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30 and how it can enhance your outdoor environment.
Product Information:
Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30 is a premium artificial turf designed for durability, safety, and versatility. With its gentle cushioning underfoot, Nearlygrass 30 provides a safe and clean surface for children to explore and play in any weather condition. Whether it’s sand, mud, or grass, Nearlygrass 30 ensures a hassle-free play experience, making it the perfect choice for school playgrounds, parks, and recreational areas.
St. Joseph’s Primary School, recently undertook a project to rejuvenate their outdoor play area. Recognising the need for a safe and top-quality play space, the school turned to Playrite, a brand name synonymous with multi-sport surfaces, to replace the old existing synthetic turf with a new 15mm in situ pad and Playrite’s versatile Multi Sports Surface (MUGA).
St. Joseph’s Primary School faced a challenge with an aging synthetic turf that had seen better days. It was crucial to replace it to ensure pupil safety. The project commenced with the removal of the old surface and pad, making way for a fresh start. The school’s decision to install a 15mm in situ pad combined with Playrite’s Multi Sports MUGA Surface proved to be a wise one for several reasons.
Playrite’s Multi Sports MUGA Surface is renowned for its versatility. It’s perfect for various sports and activities, making it an ideal choice for a school play area. Students at St. Joseph’s Primary School would be able to enjoy playing a variety of sports from football, hockey, and tennis, on the same surface.
One of the key benefits of choosing a Multi Sports MUGA Surface is its ability to withstand heavy use, ensuring its longevity and reducing the need for frequent maintenance. This not only saves the school money but also guarantees a consistent, high-quality playing surface for years to come.
With outdoor surfaces, a primary concern for any school becomes the safety of the users and the level of shock absorption that can be achieved. Playrite’s Multi Sports MUGA Surface offers exceptional shock properties and impact protection, minimising the risk of injuries during play. Chris Stanley, Sales Director for Synthetic Turf Management, shared his thoughts on choosing Playrite’s Multi Sports MUGA Surface for St. Joseph’s Primary School:
“Selecting Playrite’s MUGA Surface for this project was a no-brainer. Its reputation for quality and performance in the industry is well-deserved. This surface not only meets the demands of a busy school play area but also offers a range of benefits that set it apart. Working with such a durable and versatile material was a pleasure, and I have no doubt it will serve the school and its students exceptionally well for years to come.” St. Joseph’s Primary School’s dedication to providing a safe and engaging outdoor play area for their students has been effectively realised through Playrite’s Multi Sports MUGA Surface installation.
The school now boasts a durable, versatile, and low-maintenance sports surface, ensuring the well-being and enjoyment of the students. This project exemplifies the positive impact that high-quality multi-sport surfaces can have on the educational environment, making it a remarkable success.
Macaulay Primary School, situated in Grimsby, experienced a remarkable metamorphosis of its outdoor play area, thanks to the imaginative and innovative design expertise of Newby Leisure, a trusted specialist in playground design. Guided by the school’s core values and motto, “Today’s learners, Tomorrow’s leaders,” both the staff and students exemplified a “can do” attitude, emphasising their commitment to offering equal opportunities to all children, irrespective of their backgrounds.
In addition to ensuring practicality and safety, the school sought to create a secure and inspiring space that catered to various purposes, including learning, imaginative exploration, and physical play. To achieve this, they enlisted the expertise of Newby Leisure, resulting in the design of a versatile playground.
Recognising the need for year-round accessibility, the recommendation was made to utilise an artificial grass surface within the design. Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30, renowned for its durability and safety, was chosen to enable the pupils to engage in play regardless of the weather conditions.
Chris Pickles, Sales Manager for Playrite mentioned “”We have collaborated with Newby Leisure on numerous projects, and it’s wonderful to witness their seamless teamwork in creating a space that brings joy to the entire school.”
Ashley Spinks, Marketing Manager for Newby Leisure, remarked, “By implementing Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30, Macaulay Primary School has significantly improved its outdoor areas. The robust and secure artificial turf provided a consistent and reliable surface for the students, promoting physical activity and outdoor play throughout the year.”
Overall, the collaboration between Macaulay Primary School, Playrite, and Newby Leisure resulted in a highly successful transformation of the school’s outdoor spaces. The introduction of Nearlygrass 30 created a vibrant and easily accessible environment for students, and nurturing their physical development, engagement, and enjoyment of outdoor activities
Upton Meadows Primary School, is a unique school with extensive grounds from gardens, wild area, ball court, large playground and fields. They take great care in their students and aim to create the “Superstars of the future” From their aim to “establish a sporting culture which helps to improve all pupils’ physical wellbeing” they decided to update their old tarmac pitches so that students could participate all year round on a more forgiving and versatile surface.
Working with installation partners, Bradley Surfacing Systems, converting the old tarmac pitches into a more suitable surface was a straightforward process. Having previously installed Playrite surfaces on similar projects, the team opted to install Playrite’s Matchplay 2, an artificial grass surface specifically designed for multi-use game areas in schools. Renowned as Playrite’s most popular sports surface, Matchplay 2 offers exceptional versatility, accommodating a wide range of sports and activities.
The installation involved meticulous planning and precise execution to ensure that the new surface met the school’s requirements. The tarmac was prepared by thoroughly cleaning and leveling the area, providing a smooth and stable foundation for the artificial grass to be laid on top of, reducing the need for major groundwork. Any necessary repairs or adjustments were made to the underlying surface to ensure optimal performance and durability.
Once the groundwork was completed, the installation team carefully rolled out and secured the Playrite Matchplay 2 artificial grass. This process involved accurately measuring and cutting the grass to fit the designated area, ensuring a seamless and professional finish. The edges were neatly trimmed and secured to prevent any shifting or movement over time.
Playrite’s Matchplay 2 artificial grass surface provides an ideal playing environment for various sports, such as football, hockey, tennis, and more. Its durable and high-quality composition ensures excellent performance, shock absorption, and traction, allowing students to fully engage in their chosen activities while minimising the risk of injuries.
By opting for Playrite’s Matchplay 2 Upton Meadows School created a versatile and suitable surface that caters to the diverse sporting needs of their students. This installation enhances the quality of physical education and sports programs and provides a safe and enjoyable environment for students to develop their skills, foster teamwork, and embrace an active lifestyle.
As they make sure that all of their facilities are fully accessible for wheelchair users, Matchplay 2 turns out to be even more beneficial for Upton Primary school as it makes a suitable sports pitch surface for wheelchair- based sports.
Tom Bradley, Bradley Surfacing Solutions comments “We are thrilled to have been part of the transformation of Upton Meadows Primary School’s sports facilities. Playrite’s Matchplay 2 artificial grass surface provided the perfect solution for creating a versatile and durable playing area. It’s rewarding to see the positive impact our work has on the students and their ability to participate in a wide range of sports and activities throughout the year.
Wybourn Community Primary School approached Playrite’s installation partners Newby Leisure for help with their outdoor areas, as they were in desperate need to update the spaces to accommodate the growing needs of their pupils.
The school actively encourages pupils to embrace the outdoors with the introduction of sports from early levels, and a vital part of this is having the right environment to thrive. The staff of Wybourn wanted to make sure the children had a variety of play areas to choose from, to fit each type of play.
Recently some areas of the school’s outdoor areas had become unusable, and refurbishment was needed to bring some areas back to life. They specified that this area had to be able to offer opportunities for nonphysical play and encourage communication and imaginative play.
The benefits of the educational play area don’t only extend to the students, but to the teachers too, as our products are built to require low maintenance. Using materials such as FSC pressure treated redwood timber. Making our products robust means that maintenance costs can remain low. Saving you money and time on your purchase.
What makes this play area suitable is how accessible it is all year round. A problem schools can face is finding the space for outdoor learning for students. However, with sheltered areas installed around the playground, students can continue to enjoy their playground no matter the time of year. The play area is not just for breaktime use but can be used for outdoor learning. The chunky table and bench and planters give students the perfect opportunity to partake in group work or reading outside of the classroom environment. Showcasing the great functionality of the creative play area.
The result is a creative play area that gives students several options in the ways that they wish to learn. Whether through gardening, building in the sand, or using benches to read, Wybourn community school has allowed students the opportunity to learn and grow in a fun and innovative way. Doing so while giving life to the school through refurbishments.
“We are more than pleased to be a part of this schools refurbishment, to provide the children with a play area that doubles as a learning area is something that is extremely valuable to teachers and students.”
Recently, Playrite provided Nearlygrass 30 for the Holy Family Catholic Primary School in partnership with Playsound Playgrounds. A leading UK manufacturer of artificial turf and sports surfaces, Playrite supplied one of their more popular products, Nearlygrass 30. A high-quality artificial grass designed for use in various applications, including playgrounds, sports fields, and landscaping
Holy Family Catholic Primary School is a well-known school located in the UK that provides education to children between the ages of 3 and 11 years old. The school required a new play area for its students, and they wanted a durable, low-maintenance surface that could withstand heavy use and provide a safe, comfortable surface for the children to play on.
To meet the school’s requirements, Playrite provided Nearlygrass 30, which is an ideal surface for playgrounds. The Nearlygrass 30 artificial grass provides a soft and comfortable surface for children to play on while ensuring maximum safety. The product is designed with a durable backing that prevents wear and tear, making it suitable for heavy use.
Playsound Playgrounds an experienced playground installation company, was selected to install the artificial grass. The installation team at Playsound Playgrounds worked closely with Playrite to ensure that the surface was installed to the highest standards. They used the latest installation techniques to ensure that the surface was level, and they installed the artificial grass with the correct amount of infill to provide the ideal surface for the children to play on.
The installation of the Nearlygrass 30 artificial grass was completed within the required timeframe, and the school was delighted with the finished result. The new play area provides a safe, comfortable, and low-maintenance surface for the children to play on, and the school has received positive feedback from parents and students alike.
The successful installation of Nearlygrass 30 at Holy Family Catholic Primary School demonstrates the benefits of using high-quality artificial grass in playgrounds. Playrite’s expertise in manufacturing and providing top-quality artificial turf products, combined with the installation expertise of Playsound Playgrounds, has resulted in a successful project that has met the school’s requirements and exceeded their expectations. The Nearlygrass 30 product has proven to be an ideal solution for playgrounds and other high-traffic areas, providing a durable and safe surface for children to play on for many years to come.
Burnley High School has a distinctive vision to use an ambitious curriculum to support and enrich their students with opportunities to help them discover their passions and talent.
One aspect of the school’s ethos is for students to engage in competitive sports and activities to encourage them to lead healthy and active lives. However, like many educational facilities in the UK, the school did not have access to an outdoor area all year round.
The school wanted to create a Multi-Use area for students to use all year round however, the main challenge was where they could do so that would be located near to the school’s existing facilities.
Much of the school is surrounded by uneven grass and tarmac areas used as an overflow for car parking. After an assessment the school decided a section of the overflow car parking would be ripe for renovation.
It was decided that installing an artificial grass surface would give the school an area that could be usable all year round, with minimal cleaning maintenance required, all whilst within the allocated budget. Working with the school’s chosen contractor EB Sports and the team at Playrite the school decided to install a MUGA Surface as it allows pupils to engage in a range of sports and activities including football, hockey, netball, tennis, basketball and much more.
Mark Bucknall Director at EB Sports has previously collaborated with the experts at Playrite and were familiar with the range of MUGA products available. After a site visit EB Sports were able to establish that Playrite’s Tournament MF surface would be the perfect match.
Tournament MF is a superior quality sand dressed tufted surface, designed with its unique texturised monofilament fibre to offer durability and comfort underfoot.
Tournament MF provides an excellent playing surface for sports such as hockey as well as being suitable for multi-sport use unlike artificial turf products, our MUGA sports surfaces are considered to be far more resistant to frequent wear and tear.
Since the MUGA surface has been installed, the school has been able to continue to play a variety of sports during the winter months.
They have been thoroughly impressed with the outcome of the installation and are looking forward to continuing to offer their students more sports and activities during the Spring and Summer months.
