Case Study: Dickerage Sports Centre, London
In the summer of 2024 we were proud to attend the grand opening of the new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) at Dickerage Sports Centre in Kingston upon Thames, officially inaugurated by England football star Declan Rice. This facility, designed by Notts Sport, aims to inspire the local community and encourage greater participation in physical activities.
Declan Rice, a celebrated figure in the world of football, has a personal connection to the Dickerage Sports Centre. Having grown up in the area and played at the centre since he was two years old, Rice was motivated to donate a significant sum towards the construction of the new MUGA. His words, "It's an honour to be here today to open this fantastic new facility," reflect his hope that this MUGA will inspire and enable more kids to get active, find their passion, and maybe even follow their dreams in sports.
The new MUGA, designed by Notts Sport and installed by Groundwork & Leisure, features a high-quality 3G surface by Greenfields and XC shockpad by Trocellen, ideal for various sports, including football, basketball, tennis, and netball. The facility, already equipped with floodlighting, ensures accessibility for all age groups and schedules, extending its usability into the evening. This commitment to quality ensures that the MUGA is a reliable and safe space for all sports enthusiasts.
Managing Director of Notts Sport, Duncan Bennett, commented, "We are thrilled to see the Dickerage Sports Centre's new MUGA come to life. Our mission at Notts Sport is to provide top-tier sports facilities that promote health, fitness, and community engagement. Seeing the excitement on the faces of the young athletes today is incredibly rewarding."
Muller and Adidas collaborated with Declan Rice and played a pivotal role in bringing this project to fruition. This collective effort ensures that the MUGA meets the residents' needs, a testament to the community's commitment to health and well-being. Daniel Slocombe, Declan Rice's mentor when at Dickerage Sports Centre, remarked,
“I would like to say a massive thank you to Notts Sports and especially Duncan for their help and contribution towards our amazing new sports cage called the Declan Rice Arena. Your patience was very much appreciated as was your flexibility with our many changes of the completion date. The final results exceeded all expectations and looks mighty impressive and the kick boards top it all off. What a day we had on the official opening attended by Declan Rice himself, the local MP and the Mayor of Kingston to name but a few. On the day over 250 children got to play a short match with Dec and the surface looked and felt fantastic. The impact it will have on the community and the centre is priceless and it will continue to provide a safe wonderful place to play football that will be enjoyed by many generations to come.”
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Declan Rice had a kick-around with local children, showcasing the skills that have made him a household name. His presence and involvement inspired the children, many of whom dream of following in his footsteps.
