WO2009013021A1

WO2009013021A1 - A sporting facility

Info

Publication number: WO2009013021A1
Application number: PCT/EP2008/006205
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ashley Mc Kinley; Adrian Berry; Christopher James Hodges; Matthew Fiddimore
Original assignee: Nichem Limited
Priority date: 2007-07-26
Filing date: 2008-07-28
Publication date: 2009-01-29
Also published as: GB0714554D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular sporting facility (10) comprising a plurality of connectable sections (12,14,16,18,22,72,76,78), which can define a playing field (34), within which sports or games may be played, including both the active playing area and any other non-active space that may be required around said active area; and includes, but is not limited to, pitches, courts and fields. The modular nature of the invention allows the invention, once assembled, to accommodate a plurality of sports to be played within, or about, the structure. The playing field defined can be of variable area and/or shape depending on the combination of connectable sections used. Furthermore, the provision of variable sporting goals again accommodates a variety of sports being played therein, or thereabout. Moreover, it will also be seen that the area defined as a playing field can be fully or partially enclosed, and that it may find utility as a space for other events or uses that may require a temporary structure to define any space of variable area.

Description

A Sporting Facility

The present invention relates to a sporting facility. In particular, the invention finds utility as a temporary structure, which defines a playing field of a sporting event, although it may be used in other capacities where a temporary, portable structure may be required.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a temporary structure with increased structural strength that is easily transportable, which can be used to define the playing field of a number of different sporting events.

For the purpose of this specification, by the term "playing field" is meant any defined area, within which sports or games may be played, including both the active playing area and any other non-active space that may be required around said active area; and includes, but is not limited to, pitches, courts and fields. Moreover, it will also be seen that the area defined as a playing field can be fully or partially enclosed, and that it may find utility as a space for other events or uses that may require a temporary structure to define a space of variable area.

According to the present invention there is provided a modular sporting facility comprising a plurality of connectable sections, which, in use, define a playing field.

Preferably, the plurality of connectable sections comprises at least one section comprising a substantially planar surface adjacent, in use, the playing field; and, preferably, at least one section comprising a substantially curved surface adjacent, in use, the playing field. Unless otherwise defined, the term "section" as used hereinafter is intended to embrace both substantially planar sections, and substantially curved sections.

Preferably, each of the sections is inter-connectable with an adjacent, juxtaposed section. Further preferably, each of the sections is reversibly inter-connectable with an adjacent, juxtaposed section.

Preferably, each section comprises connecting means, provided on at least one side of the section. More preferably, each section comprises connecting means provided on two opposing sides of the section. Preferably, a first connecting means is provided adjacent a first terminal edge of each section, and a second connecting means is provided adjacent a second terminal edge of each section. Preferably, the first and second terminal edges are located adjacent opposing sides of each section.

Preferably, the first and second connecting means extend substantially parallel to, in use, opposed substantially vertical surfaces of each section, the first and second connecting means being arranged for inter-engagement so that, in use, adjacent sections are in side-by- side relationship to form a substantially continuous surface.

Preferably, the first connecting means comprises at least one projection that extends outwardly from one edge of each section. Further preferably, the at least one projection extends beyond the terminal edge of each section.

Preferably, the second connecting means of each section is adapted to reversibly couple with the first connecting means of an, in use, adjacent section.

Preferably, the second connecting means comprises at least one projection, which defines a recess, the recess being shaped and dimensioned to couple with the at least one projection of the first connecting means.

Preferably, the second connecting means is located at a distance from the terminal edge of each section, such that, in use, adjacent sections are in side-by-side relationship to form a substantially continuous surface. Preferably, the continuous surface is formed by the surface of the sections adjacent, in use, the playing field. Preferably, at least part of the continuous surface extends over at least part of the interface of the first and second connecting means.

Preferably, the modular sporting facility further comprises a securing means adapted to anchor adjacent sections in the side-by-side relationship.

Preferably, the first and second connecting means, in use, form a coupling, the coupling being adapted to receive the securing means. Preferably, the coupling comprises a first set of apertures and a second set of apertures. Preferably the first connecting means includes the first set of apertures, and the second connecting means includes the second set of apertures.

Preferably, the securing means comprises a pin that is inserted through complementary portions of adjacent sections. Further preferably, the securing means comprises a pin that is inserted through the first and second sets of apertures.

Preferably, the pin comprises a body and a head. Preferably, the body is shaped and dimensioned to pass through the first and second sets of apertures of the coupling. Preferably, the head is shaped and dimensioned to inhibit the body of the pin from passing completely through the coupling. Preferably the head further comprises means for removing the body of the pin from the coupling. Preferably, the removing means comprises a handle. Preferably, the head of the pin is adapted to be, in use, substantially integral and continuous with the surface of one or each of the sections.

Preferably, the modular sporting facility comprises a support on at least one section. Preferably, the support is displaceable between an extended and collapsed state. Preferably, the support is substantially coplanar with the surface of the section in the collapsed state, and extends substantially perpendicular from surface of the section in the extended state.

Preferably, the support is biased towards the extended state and/or the collapsed state. Optionally, the support is adapted to receive a ground-engaging member, such as a pin. Optionally, the support comprises a non-slip foot.

Preferably, at least one section comprises seating means. Preferably, the seating means is reversibly mountable to the support. Preferably, the seating means extends between at least two supports, and defines a seat therebetween.

Preferably, a distinguishing element is provided on at least some sections. Optionally, the distinguishing element is an aperture, which defines a goalmouth. Optionally, the distinguishing element is a removable portion of the section, which, once removed, defines a goalmouth.

Preferably, at least one section is adapted to allow pivotable movement of the section relative to an adjacent juxtaposed section, in use. Preferably, the connecting means of one section is adapted to allow pivotable movement of the section relative to an adjacent juxtaposed section, in use.

Optionally, the distinguishing element comprises an articulatable, hinged portion to act as a gate mechanism.

Optionally, the modular sporting facility comprises a roof section. Preferably, the roof section is held in place by an elevating means. Preferably, the elevating means comprises a plurality of poles. Preferably, each pole is extendable. Further preferably, each pole is telescopically extendable.

Preferably, each section is arranged to receive at least part of each pole.

Preferably, the modular sporting facility comprises a plurality of scoring goals. Preferably, each of the scoring goals is attachable to at least one section by a goal mounting means. Preferably, the goal mounting means comprises a pole. Optionally, the goal mounting means comprises the elevating means.

Optionally, the modular sporting facility comprises a lighting source to accommodate use of the modular sporting facility in darkness or low-light conditions.

Preferably, the modular sporting facility comprises means for storing the sections.

Preferably, the storing means comprises a base and a canopy. Preferably, the base comprises a planar member adapted to reversibly engage with at least part of the canopy.

Preferably, the base further comprises means for transporting the storing means. Preferably, the transporting means comprises castors, or similar device. Further preferably, the transporting means comprises brakable castors. Preferably, the canopy can be formed from at least one section. Preferably, the canopy is formed from at least two sections. Further preferably, the canopy is formed from at least two of the sections having a substantially curved surface.

Optionally, the storing means further comprises a cover. Preferably, he cover is formed from a lightweight material. Preferably, the cover is waterproof. Optionally, the cover can be secured to at least part of the storing means to prevent tampering.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a modular sporting facility according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, assembled for use;

Figure 2 is a perspective view depicting either side of a large planar section of the modular sporting facility of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a perspective view depicting either side of a medium planar section of the modular sporting facility of Figure 1;

Figure 4A is a perspective view depicting opposing sides of a support of the sections of

Figures 2 and 3; Figure 4B is a perspective view of a pin of the modular sporting facility of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a perspective view depicting either side of a small planar section of the modular sporting facility of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a perspective view depicting either side of a curved section of the modular sporting facility of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a perspective view depicting either side of a goalmouth section of the modular sporting facility of Figure 1;

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a removable goalmouth section of the modular sporting facility of Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a side view of a pivotable section of the modular sporting facility of Figure 1; Figure 10 is a side view of an elevating means of the modular sporting facility of Figure 1, depicted attached to a large section of Figure 2; and

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a storing means of the modular sporting facility of

Figure 1. Referring now to Figure 1 of the drawings, there is shown a modular sporting facility 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The modular sporting facility 10 comprises a plurality of connectable sections, which once assembled define a playing field 34. The area of the playing field 34 is variable, and is dependent on the combination of connectable sections used. Similarly, the shape of the playing field 34 is dependent on the combination of connectable sections used. For example, the shape of the playing field 34 can be regular or irregular, rectangular or square, round or oval, or any such shape defined by a combination of different sections.

Figure 2 is a perspective view depicting a first side, Figure 2 A, and a second side, Figure 2B, of a large section 12. The first side of the large section 12 is generally planar in shape, and when in use, has a ground-engaging side 42 and connectable sides 44, 44'. Adjacent a first connectable side 44' is a first connecting means, which comprises a projection 48 that extends beyond the terminal edge of the connectable side 44', and is substantially parallel to the plane of the large section 12. Adjacent a second connectable side 44 is a second connecting means, which comprises two projections 49, each of which is substantially parallel to the plane of the large section 12, and together define a recess 52. The projections 49 are located a distance from the terminal edge of the second connectable side 44, such that, in use, the projection 48 of the first connecting means of a first section is located in the recess 52 defined by the projections 49 of an adjacent section, whereby adjacent sections are in side-by-side relationship to form a substantially continuous surface. In use, for example, first and second sections are in side-by-side relationship, whereby the first connecting means of a first section is coupled with a second connecting means of a second section. The location of the second connecting means allows for a portion of the, in use, playing field-adjacent surface of the second section to extends over the interface of the first and second connecting means, whereby the terminal edge of the connectable side .44 extends over the interface of the first and second connecting means, thereby increasing the structural strength of the interface, and protecting the interface between first and second connecting means from being struck directly by, for example, a ball. Any combination of complementary shapes and dimensions of the first and second connecting means are encompassed within the scope of the invention.

A first aperture 50' is provided generally parallel to and adjacent the longitudinal axis of the projection 48 of the first connecting means. A second aperture 50 is provided in each of the projections 49 of the second connecting means. In use, the second apertures 50 of a first section are coaxially located, and continuous with, the first aperture 50' of an adjacent section. A pin 58, Figure 4B, is provided, which can be inserted through the apertures 50, 50', when in use, so as to secure adjacent sections once assembled. The pin 58 is generally "T-shaped" and circular in transverse cross section, and comprises a head 59 and a body 60. The body 60 is circular in transverse cross section, and dimensioned to pass through each of the first and second apertures 50', 50. The head 59 is shaped to inhibit the complete passage of the body 60 through the first and second apertures 50, 50'. A recess 62 is provided on each section to accommodate the head 59 of the pin 58 resulting in a continuous flush surface, with said section, or adjoining, in use sections.

A pair of hinging means 54 are provided on the second side of the large section 12, each of which accommodate a support 56, Figure 4A, which is operable between an extended and collapsed state. When in use, the support 56 can be extended to be substantially perpendicular to the plane of the large section 12, and can be collapsed to be substantially parallel to the plane of the large section 12, to facilitate storage (not shown).

Figure 3 is a perspective view depicting a first side, Figure 3 A, and a second side, Figure 3B, of a medium section 14. The medium section 14 is substantially similar in shape to the large section 12, and when in use, has a similar ground-engaging side 42 and connectable sides 44, 44'. Identical first and second connecting means to that of the large section 12 are provided adjacent the connectable sides 44, 44', each arranged for inter-engagement so that, in use, adjacent sections are in side-by-side relationship to form a substantially continuous surface, the surface extending at least partially over the interface formed between the first and second connecting means. A single hinging means 54 is provided on the first side of the medium section 14, which can accommodate a support 56 (not shown), which is identical in operation to that of the large section 12.

Figure 4A is a perspective view depicting first and second opposing sides of a support 56, which is generally triangular in shape and has at a first corner 64. A hinge projection 66 is provided adjacent the first corner 64, which is inter-engagable with the hinging means 54 of the large section 12 and medium section 14. At a second corner 74 is provided an aperture 76, which can accommodate a ground-engaging pin (not shown), which can be used to anchor the support 56 to the ground, when in use. The ground-engaging pin can be generally "L-shaped" and circular in transverse cross section. A non-slip foot (not shown) may be provided at the ground-engaging surface of the support 56 to inhibit movement of the support 56 relative to the ground. The non-slip foot can be formed from a resilient, elastically deformable material, such as urethane rubber. The support 56 can be adapted to reversibly receive a seating member (not shown). The seating member can be a generally elongate planar member, which is mountable to a cross-member 75 of the support 56, and extends between, for example, two adjacent supports 56, thereby defining a seat therebetween. The seating member can be used as a seat, or alternatively, can be used as a stand to facilitate viewing over the section.

Figure 5 is a perspective view depicting a first side, Figure 5A, and a second side, Figure 5B, of a small section 16. The small section 16 is generally planar in shape, and when in use, has a similar ground-engaging side 42 and connectable sides 44, 44' to that of a large section 12. Identical first and second connecting means to that of the large section 12 are provided adjacent the connectable sides 44, 44', each arranged for inter-engagement so that, in use, adjacent sections are in side-by-side relationship to form a substantially continuous surface, wherein the interface of the first and second connecting means are at least partially covered by at least part of the adjacent section.

Figure 6 is a perspective view depicting a first side, Figure 6A, and a second side, Figure 6B, of a curved section 18. The curved section 18 is generally curved in shape, and when in use, has a similar ground-engaging side 42 and connectable sides 44, 44' as the other sections. Identical first and second connecting means to that of the large section 12 are provided adjacent the connectable sides 44, 44', each arranged for inter-engagement so that, in use, adjacent sections are in side-by-side relationship to form a substantially continuous surface, which extends over the interface of the first and second connecting means. The curved section 18 can be angled such that, in use, adjacent juxtaposed sections are arranged to form an angle therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, the angle is a right angle, but it is appreciated that any angle can be provided by the curved section 18.

Alternatively, to provide an angle in the playing field-adjacent surface of the modular sports facility, at least some of the planar sections are adapted to allow at least two planar sections, such as two large sections 12, two medium sections 14, two small sections 18, or any combination thereof, to be arranged to form an angle, such as a right angle. Figure 7 is a perspective view depicting a first side, Figure 7A, and a second side, Figure 7B, of a goalmouth section 22. The goalmouth section 22 is substantially similar in shape to the large section 12, and when in use, has a similar ground-engaging side 42 and connectable sides 44, 44'. Identical coupling means to that of the large section 12 are provided adjacent the connectable edges 44,44', each arranged for inter-engagement so that, in use, adjacent sections are in side-by-side relationship to form a substantially continuous surface. A generally rectangular aperture 68 is provided in the goalmouth section 22 to act as a goalmouth.

Figure 8 is a perspective view depicting a first side of a removable goalmouth section 72. The removable goalmouth section 72 is substantially similar in shape to the large section 12, and when in use, has a similar ground-engaging side 42 and connectable sides 44, 44'. Identical connecting means to that of the large section 12 are provided adjacent the connectable sides 44, 44', each arranged for inter-engagement so that, in use, adjacent sections are in side-by-side relationship to form a substantially continuous surface, which at least partially covers the interface between the first and second connecting means. A generally rectangular removable portion 74 is provided in the removable goalmouth section 72. The removable portion 74, when forming part of the removable goalmouth section 72 is located in a recess 76, to provide a substantially continuous surface, the recess 76 extending at least part of the distance around the removable portion 74. The removable portion can be held in place by means of a reversible clip or similar device (not shown). When the removable portion 74 is removed from the goalmouth section 72, the recess 76 defines the goalmouth.

Figure 9 is a side view of a pivotable section 78. The pivotable section 76 is substantially similar in shape to the large section 12, and when in use, has a similar ground-engaging side 42. The pivotable section has one connectable side 44, and is substantially rectilinear at the opposing side 44'. The pivotable section 78 is adapted such that the pivotable section is free to pivot about the pin 58, when in use. In the preferred embodiment, the second connecting means is located at the terminal edge of the connectable side 44 of the pivotable section 78, such that the projections 49 extending from the pivotable section 78 are free to pivot about the pin 58. Referring to Figure 10, there is shown a large section 12 of part of a sporting facility 10 depicted in a partially assembled state. A pole 24 is attached to the some of the above sections to facilitate the attachment of other structures. Each pole 24 is generally an elongate, telescopically extendible cylinder that can be inserted through apertures 36 provided on each of the sections. Preferably, the poles are formed from a material such as metal, and can be formed from an alloy such as aluminium.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a storing means 32, which comprises a substantially planar parallelepiped-shaped rigid base 79 and a canopy 80, which together can accommodate therein the components of the sporting facility 10, when not in use. A number of castors 40 are provided on the underside of the base 79 to facilitate transport. In the preferred embodiment, the canopy 80 is formed from two interlocking curved sections 18.

Referring again to Figure 1 , there is shown a modular sporting facility 10. A roof section 26 is provided, which can be located atop each of the poles 24. The roof section 26 is generally planar in shape. A number of attachment means 38 are provided on the roof section 26. Each of the attachment means 38 is generally cylindrical in shape with open ends, and is attached generally perpendicular to the plane of the roof section 26. Each of the poles 24 can locate coaxially within each of the attachment means 38, thereby facilitating attachment of the roof section 26.

A number of light sources 28 are provided to facilitate use of the invention in darkness or low light conditions, each of which is attached to a pole 24 by a suitable attachment mechanism. The light source can be solid-state lighting, such as light emitting diodes.

Preferably, the light source comprises white light emitting diodes. The light source can be powered by a transportable power source, such as a battery or cell (not shown). Preferably, the battery or cell is rechargeable.

A graphical area 46, see also Figures 2&3, is also provided on the first, in-use playing-field adjacent, side of some sections, and can be used as an advertising space or any other such similar use. However, it will be seen that similar graphical areas can be provided on any suitable space on any component of the modular sporting facility. Scoring goals 30 are provided to facilitate sports that utilise elevated scoring goals, each of which is attached to a pole 24 that is generally an elongate cylinder and can be inserted through apertures 36 provided on each of the sections. The form of the scoring goal 30 is dependent on the sport being played. A basketball net is depicted herein, but any such suitable goal may be used. Preferably, a sheet material can be attached between adjacent goal mounting means, so as to stop sporting equipment such as balls from exiting the playing filed during use. Preferably, the sheet material is a deformable material, such as a netting material.

The invention described herein finds utility as a temporary structure, which defines a playing field. The modular nature of the invention allows the invention, once assembled, to accommodate a plurality of sports to be played within, or about, the structure. The playing field defined can be of variable area and/or shape depending on the combination of connectable sections used. Furthermore, the provision of variable sporting goals again accommodates a variety of sports being played therein, or thereabout.

As the sporting facility is modular, damaged or destroyed sections can be easily replaced, without the need of replacing the entire structure.

The sections are preferably formed from a recyclable material such as plastic or polycarbonate, allowing the structure, once assembled, to be rigid and structurally sound, whilst still allowing the structure to be lightweight and so easily and quickly assembled/disassembled. Preferably, each section is formed from a plastic material, more preferably a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene. This also facilitates easy transport and storage of the components of the structure. The use of securing pins increases the strength of the structure, stopping each section from displacing laterally from an adjacent section. Moreover, each section can be anchored to the ground, stopping displacement from the ground. For outdoor use, each section is formed from a material that is at least partially resistant to degradation by exposure to ultraviolet radiation, to reduce discolouration or degradation of the material.

The graphical panel on the face of each section can be utilised as an advertising space or alternatively can have graphics for sports training or any other detail applied thereon. The roof section facilitates the structure being used outdoors, protecting a user form the elements. Moreover, the provision of a lighting system allows the invention to be used in low light conditions.

When the first and second connecting means are coupled between adjacent juxtaposed sections, the interface between the first and second connecting means is covered by the continuous surface formed from the playing field-adjacent surface of each section. As such, the interface between the first connecting means of one section and the second connecting means of an adjacent section is protected from direct striking, thereby decreasing the risk of adjacent sections being displaced from each other. Moreover, the continuous surface provided at the playing field-adjacent face of the sections provides means to inhibit bodies, such as appendages of users, being introduced between adjacent sections, thereby increasing safety.

Claims

1. A modular sporting facility comprising a plurality of connectable sections which, in use, define a playing field.

2. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 1, wherein each of the sections is reversibly inter-connectable with an adjacent, juxtaposed section.

3. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein each section comprises connecting means, provided on at least one side of the section.

4. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 3, wherein a first connecting means is provided adjacent a first terminal edge of each section, and a second connecting means is provided adjacent a second terminal edge of each section.

5. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 4, wherein the first and second terminal edges are located adjacent opposing sides of each section.

6. A modular sporting facility according to any one of Claims 4-5, wherein the first and second connecting means extend substantially parallel to, in use, opposed substantially vertical surfaces of each section.

7. A modular sporting facility according to any one of Claims 4-6, wherein the first and second connecting means are arranged for inter-engagement so that, in use, adjacent sections are in side-by-side relationship.

8. A modular sporting facility according to any one of Claims 4-7, wherein the first connecting means comprises at least one projection that extends outwardly from one edge of each section.

9. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 8, wherein the at least one projection extends beyond the terminal edge of each section.

10. A modular sporting facility according to any one of Claims 4-9, wherein the second connecting means of each section is adapted to reversibly couple with the first connecting means of an, in use, adjacent section.

11. A modular sporting facility according to any one of Claims 8-10, wherein the second connecting means comprises at least one projection, which defines a recess, the recess being shaped and dimensioned to couple with the at least one projection of the first connecting means.

12. A modular sporting facility according to any one of Claims 4-11, wherein the second connecting means is located at a distance from the terminal edge of each section, such that, in use, adjacent sections are in side-by-side relationship to form a substantially continuous surface.

13. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 12, wherein the continuous surface is formed by the surface of the sections adjacent, in use, the playing field.

14. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein at least part of the continuous surface extends over at least part of the interface of the first and second connecting means.

15. A modular sporting facility according to any preceding claim, further comprising a securing means adapted to anchor adjacent sections in a side-by-side relationship.

16. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 15, wherein the first and second connecting means, in use, form a coupling, the coupling being adapted to receive the securing means.

17. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 16, wherein the coupling comprises a first set of apertures and a second set of apertures.

18. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 17, wherein the first connecting means includes the first set of apertures, and the second connecting means includes the second set of apertures.

19. A modular sporting facility according to any one of Claims 15-18, wherein the securing means comprises a pin that is inserted through complementary portions of adjacent sections.

20. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 19, wherein the securing means comprises a pin that is inserted through the first and second sets of apertures.

21. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 19 or 20, wherein the pin comprises a body and a head.

22. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 21, wherein the head further comprises means for removing the body of the pin from a coupling.

23. A modular sporting facility according to any preceding claim, further comprising a support on at least one section.

24. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 23, wherein the support is displaceable between an extended and collapsed state.

25. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 24, wherein the support is biased towards the extended state and/or the collapsed state.

26. A modular sporting facility according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one section comprises seating means.

27. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 26, wherein the seating means is reversibly mountable to the support.

28. A modular sporting facility according to any preceding claim, further comprising a distinguishing element provided on at least some sections.

29. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 28, wherein the distinguishing element is an aperture, which defines a goalmouth.

30. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 28, wherein the distinguishing element is a removable portion of the section, which, once removed, defines a goalmouth.

31. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 28, wherein the distinguishing element comprises an articulatable, hinged portion to act as a gate mechanism.

32. A modular sporting facility according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one section is adapted to allow pivotable movement of the section relative to an adjacent juxtaposed section, in use.

33. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 32, wherein the connecting means of one section is adapted to allow pivotable movement of the section relative to an adjacent juxtaposed section, in use.

34. A modular sporting facility according to any preceding claim, further comprising a roof section.

35. A modular sporting facility according to any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of scoring goals.

36. A modular sporting facility according to any preceding claim, further comprising a lighting source to accommodate use of the modular sporting facility in darkness or low-light conditions.

37. A modular sporting facility according to any preceding claim, further comprising means for storing the sections.

38. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 37, wherein the storing means comprises a base and a canopy, the base comprising a substantially planar member adapted to reversibly engage with at least part of the canopy.

39. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 38, wherein the canopy is formed from at least two sections.

40. A modular sporting facility according to Claim 39, wherein the canopy is formed from at least two of the sections having a substantially curved surface.