Yard Ball, a new immersive football experience, could be coming to Sheffield, aiming to help people to discover ‘pure’ footballing fun.
Plans have been submitted to transform the former Arnold Laver timber depot on Little London Road into the country’s first Yard Ball venue. If planning permission is granted, the 50,000+ sq ft venue will undergo a £1m+ transformation to build a setting full of football activities and create 50 jobs.
While football is a multi-billion-pound industry, for us it’s simply just a sport. And sport is first and foremost about enjoyment.
Inspired by street football, Yard Ball will have features designed to inspire nostalgia in fans of the game: shooting against garages, finding the top bin, kerby and the crossbar challenge. Visitors will be able to go against the world’s strongest AI goalkeeper to test their skills.
Visitors will be invited to take part in several football challenges
A Yard Ball spokesman said: “One-man Wembley, spot, kerby – the games we all played as kids are back. Anyone who played football as a child knows the feeling of practicing their skills on the street, car park or field. Remember when Gazza sent Colin Hendry for a hot dog? Ever try and recreate Tony Yeboah’s crossbar-bashing volleys? Those days are coming back.”
Afterwards, guests will be able to taste the foods of major football tournaments – from the spicy tacos inspired by Mexico 96’ to the fish and chips from Euro 96’. Adults can have a pint from the social club and kids can try a coke float.
Anyone who played football as a child knows the feeling of practicing their skills on the street, car park or field.
“We’re thankful to the amazing Laver family – a true football family – for trusting us with our vision and desire to transform their old building into something which cements Sheffield’s place as the home of the beautiful game – no matter who you support.”
Proposals were submitted to Sheffield City Council in June 2023. If given the green light, redevelopment work will start this autumn and Yard Ball will potentially open to the public in early 2024.
Yard Ball’s proposals also include community engagement plans to meet the Football Association’s goals to encourage more people, particularly from under-represented groups, to engage with the sport.
For more information, see Yard Ball’s website
