St Mary’s Primary School in Cumbernauld is celebrating winning the Girls National Handball Championships, thanks in part to a brand-new sports facility. The school recently installed a new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) as part of a broader plan to replace old red blaes pitches across North Lanarkshire. The 40m x 20m pitch is a full-size handball court, and it also includes markings for basketball, football, tennis and netball. It even has lower basketball hoops to suit younger pupils. The rest of the old pitch area has been turned into grass with 5-a-side goals. The MUGA is open to the community for free outside school hours and at weekends, making it an excellent space for local people to enjoy. Councillor Michael McBride, Convener of Education, Children and Families with North Lanarkshire Council, said: “This is a great example of how we’re investing in our schools and communities. “The new MUGA at St Mary’s is already helping pupils to achieve their sporting goals and gives the wider community a fantastic space to stay active. It’s great to see handball and other sports growing, thanks to strong partnerships and high-quality facilities.” Handball is becoming more popular across North Lanarkshire, with strong development in Airdrie, Coatbridge, and Wishaw. Cumbernauld’s Tryst ’77 Handball Club is leading the way, offering sessions for all ages and working closely with local schools. Coach Mark McGuinness, along with assistant coaches and teachers, runs regular handball sessions at Baird Memorial, Whitelees, and St Mary’s Primary Schools, as well as taster sessions in other schools. Mark said: “Tryst ’77 is already planning to use the new MUGA for pre-season training and outdoor sessions when the weather’s good. This success is down to great teamwork between Active Schools, Active NL, Tryst ’77, and the Scottish Handball Association. “We’re all working together to grow handball and help more people get active across North Lanarkshire.” *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .