First look: Immersive football experience to open in time for summer holidays

Yard Ball aims to provide kids and adults alike an opportunity to be transported back to a time when football was just about a kickabout in the streets.

The new immersive football experience is going to be open just in time for the summer holidays, offering parents the perfect opportunity to get their kids together for some family fun.

The aim is to bring back fun to football in a positive and inclusive way. Players should feel no pressure to be the next David Beckham and are just encouraged to enjoy the moment. 

Games on offer include friendly matches between players, shooting against garages, playing kerby in the bar area and practising your touch and finish. Visitors can also take on a variety of challenges to test their skills. 

Alongside this immersive football experience, visitors will have the opportunity to grab a pint after their game while the kids play in the realtor arcades or try out the karaoke rooms. The venue also has tasty street food you can sample after working up an appetite, from spicy tacos and pizza to fish and chips. 

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.”

Yard Ball can be found on Sheffield’s Little London Road. the old Arnold Laver timber depot has been fully transformed into a 50,000 sq ft football experience. 

Keep an eye on the Yard Ball website for updates on opening dates and how to get your hands on a booking!