School children have been able to stay active and play ball games within their class “bubbles”, thanks to these sports cages designed by a Cambridgeshire company.

The pandemic inspired DEM Sports, based in Welney, to create a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), a specialist folding cage that can be fitted out for games like football, netball, dodgeball and tennis.

Townley School, in Christchurch, has been testing the kit and found it particularly useful in keeping class “bubbles” contained during outdoor activities.

Wisbech Standard: Children at Townley Primary School in Christchurch playing inside the MUGA.Children at Townley Primary School in Christchurch playing inside the MUGA. (Image: DEM Sports)

Headteacher Maria Higgins said the equipment has been used every day since it was installed last October.

She said: “[It is used] not only for PE, breaktime, lunchtime and after school clubs, but also to allow us to have more than one class bubble outdoors at any one time...

“... [It] has been a great help to us keeping our children active."

Wisbech Standard: Townley Primary School in Christchurch says it has used its MUGA, designed by DEM Sports in Welney, every day since it was installed in October last year.Townley Primary School in Christchurch says it has used its MUGA, designed by DEM Sports in Welney, every day since it was installed in October last year. (Image: DEM Sports)

DEM Sports specialises in producing cricket ground equipment for clubs, universities and schools.

It claims to be the original manufacturer of foldaway cricket nets which are often used in sports halls and training areas.

The company also produces more heavy-duty sports cages and was asked to design and manufacture practice cages for the 2019 Cricket World Cup at Lords.

They are also suitable for other sports such as baseball and golf.

Wisbech Standard: The MUGA, designed by DEM Sports in Welney, can be folded back when it isn't being used.The MUGA, designed by DEM Sports in Welney, can be folded back when it isn't being used. (Image: DEM Sports)

John Loveday, the company’s managing director, said: "We’ve been producing a range of cages for use in schools for a number of years.

“We’d been thinking about how to help primary school-age children keep fit and active during the current pandemic. So we designed this wonderful piece of kit.”

The MUGA has also been endorsed by the county council.

Wisbech Standard: The MUGA cage, produced by DEM Sports in Welney, can be used for PE, ball games and for playtimes.The MUGA cage, produced by DEM Sports in Welney, can be used for PE, ball games and for playtimes. (Image: DEM Sports)

Ian Roberts, who looks after PE and school sports for Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, said: "The possibilities are limitless with how schools could use [the MUGA].

“It is becoming more and more important to engage all pupils in regular physical activity, and the deployment of active zones within the school space is a very powerful tool to help make this happen.

“This could be considered a valid, and sustainable use of the PE and School Sport Premium to make an important difference to young people”.

For more information, visit the DEM Sports website.