‘Nostalgic’ UK football attraction that’s like a real-life video game
A UK football attraction has been labelled as being like “FIFA Street” in real life.
Going for a kick about is one of the simple pleasures in life, but finding somewhere good to do it isn’t always straight forward.
However, for the people of Sheffield, there’s a venue that’s absolutely perfect for those who just want a casual game of football in a street-like atmosphere.
Yard Ball is described online as a “nostalgic football and social experience” in which people can relive their youth of playing games out in the street.
It has recreated garages, where visitors can use garages as goals. while there’s also ice cream trucks, a bus stop and mocked up blocks of flats, all with different targets, goals and ball-game features.
There’s also a crossbar challenge game for people to perfect their aim, with four different levels of crossbar to aim for.
Meanwhile, a mocked up pub has barrels out the back for users to aim at in another unique game.
One person who loved their visit was professional freestyle footballer Ash Randall.
He shared a video of it on his Instagram, in which he declared: “I just found FIFA Street in real life.
“When you walk in it feels like you’re in one of those old school Nike football adverts, or on the set of Wayne Rooney‘s Street Striker.
“The amount of nostalgia I was hit with was crazy.
“You’ve got tyre shots, a broken down car, and even the speed shot.
“Honestly, the details in this place are absolutely crazy, from the graffiti all around the venue, the flags, the street lamps and even the yellow grit boxes where you can get your ball from.
“And there’s so many more little Easter eggs, hidden around the whole place.”
As well as the street-themed games, Ash was also impressed with the other room at Yard Ball, which is home to yet more features, many of which have fun visual and sound effects.
He continued: “When you’re finished in the big room, there’s another room at the back with a different vibe.
Other video game-style attractions in the UK
Yard Ball isn't the only attraction in the UK that has been compared to a video game.
An indoor go-karting attraction has also been described as being like real-life computer fun.
BattleKart first opened in Belgium, with the success leading to other openings across Europe as well as Dubai and Australia.
It has now launched in the UK, with BattleKart Sittingbourne opening earlier this year.
With anything from two to 12 players, driving can choose between a range of activities using AR technology.
BattleRace lets you complete as many laps as possible while firing “missiles” at other drivers.
During BattleColour, drivers try and cover as much of the track in their teams colour, while BattleSnake declares the winner for whoever creates the longest snake by collecting coloured balls.
Drivers have to avoid getting infected during BattleVirus, while BattleFoot and BattlePool combines go-karts with football and pool, respectively.
The UK venue even has an on-site bar.
“Over here you’ve got lots of surprising sounds and special effects hidden in the games.
“After you’ve had a ball, you can kick back in the retro diner, or even have a game of kerby – and they’ve even got party rooms.”
Ash’s followers were very impressed with Yard Ball, with many saying they wanted to visit in the future.
One wrote: “This reminds me of my childhood when I used to play football.”
Another said: “This is where young kids should train to hone their ability and skill.”
A third added: “This is basically like growing up playing football in the 90s.”
Meanwhile, this UK hotel is owned by football legends and has plenty of exciting football features.
And this new football attraction is being opened by Rio Ferdinand in Kent.