Covered Sports Canopies – What are they and why do you need one?

With up to 30% of playing and coaching time in the UK lost to poor weather conditions and low light, covered sports canopies allow outdoor activities to continue all year round, rain or shine. Also known as Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), they keep students dry in wetter conditions, and protect them from harmful UV rays during summer months. However, their benefits go much further than just protection from the elements…

Added value in darker months…

It’s never nice when the evenings draw in. Enjoying outdoor sports can go from a treat to a chore quicker than you can say “did you put the clocks back?”... This is felt particularly when it comes to extra-curricular sports and schools that offer boarding. With covered sports canopies, you can enjoy a perfectly lit playing field any time of day thanks to a number of lighting options available. 

All important airflow…

Indoor sports are great, especially in colder months. However, some sports demand a certain type of playing surface that just can’t be replicated. The mesh fabric panels  of covered sports canopies and MUGAs means that it offers protection where it counts, but still allows students to compete in the fresh air.

Off-site manufacture with minimal disruption…

While there are endless options to create a brand new outdoor sports area, many schools are also opting to add value to existing pitches, doing away with any costly construction and resurfacing costs. Due to their vertical column design and off-site manufacture, a covered sports canopy can easily transform a campus with little disruption. 

Seasonal sports can stay outside…

Sports like cricket, hockey, tennis and more often get relegated indoors once the weather turns. This can result in students having to adjust to different, sometimes inadequate playing surfaces and equipment. With covered sports canopies, they can train and hone their skills on the same pitch, year round.

Added protection for spectators too…

By extending the footprint of a new canopy past the playing field opens up the possibility of hosting spectators. Whether it’s fellow students and staff or visiting opponents, they’ll enjoy the same protection as the players themselves. No one likes a soggy scarf or bobble hat in team colours…

Long term and low maintenance…

Designed for a long life – 25 years actually – covered sports canopies are also low maintenance. Their construction means that there are very few places for dirt to build up. With an integrated rainwater system, you can also be sure that the all-important playing surface will stay dry.

On top of all these benefits, they can transform any outdoor learning environment into something visually incredible. When visiting teams arrive at your school for a game, it’s instantly apparent that you care about your students. Not only that, but thanks to the benefits above, including things like covered sports canopies in planning proposals can really help with the approval process. 

Could a covered sports canopy be the next addition to your campus? Talk to us today to learn more.

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