Former timber yard transformed into ‘football theme park’

More details of a new “immersive” football experience have been released ahead of its opening in Sheffield this summer.

Yard Ball is creating 25 jobs and will open in time for the summer holidays, with visitors promised to be transported back to a time when football was played on the streets.

The venue on Sheffield’s Little London Road has undergone a transformation from the old Arnold Laver timber depot into a 50,000 sq ft facility.

Family, friends and visitors will be able to face off against each other, shooting against garages, finding the top bin and playing “kerby” in Yard Ball’s bar area, while others can practise their touch and finish as the ball is launched from the top floor window of the purpose-built maisonette.

The venue gives visitors a chance to take on crossbar challenges, fire balls at strategically placed targets and hone their skills in the country’s first street football experience.

A Yard Ball spokesman said: “We’ve had so much fun putting everything together, we know it’s going to be a huge success. We can’t wait to open the doors to people this summer. Just like Alan Shearer in his prime, it’s all about those finishing touches.  

“Football is such a big business now, and sometimes we need to remind ourselves of what it’s actually all about – playing games and having fun with your mates.

“Yard Ball combines simple games and subtle tech to bring the ’90s back to life. We like to think we have created a venue that all generations can enjoy.”