As a little boy in Argentina, I played futsal on the streets and for my club. It was tremendous fun, and it really helped me become who I am today.
Lionel Messi
Argentina international
Community soccer and recreation for Western New York — free public play, youth development, and a space where the game brings people together.
Reference field by Urban Soccer Park, our field partner; built for Denver Soccer Society, not The Yard.
The Yard, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to high-quality recreational opportunities for youth, families, and residents across Western New York through soccer, physical activity, and community-centered programming.
Our long-term goal is to help build a network of small-sided soccer spaces across Western New York and beyond — safe, welcoming fields where anyone can play, grow, and connect without barriers.
Support Our MissionThe Yard is built to help communities across Western New York, and eventually beyond, create compact soccer spaces that make the game easier to access every day.
Small-sided fields create more touches, faster decisions, tighter control, and more creativity. That is how kids grow up playing in many soccer cultures across Europe and South America, and it is the kind of environment that can help build the next generation of technically gifted American players.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 coming to North America, including U.S. host cities, soccer is entering a major growth moment. We want The Yard to help turn that excitement into lasting local infrastructure and, in our own small way, help push the United States toward becoming a top soccer nation.
We are currently working with Urban Soccer Park, a modular mini-pitch company whose projects include fields connected to Christian Pulisic, YMCA locations, and the San Jose Earthquakes.
The Yard is built around the same idea that shaped some of the world's best players: small spaces create faster thinking, better feet, closer control, and more joy on the ball.
As a little boy in Argentina, I played futsal on the streets and for my club. It was tremendous fun, and it really helped me become who I am today.
Futsal helps a lot because you need to think quickly. It's a more dynamic game and today in Europe, there's not much space so you need to think quicker.
I needed extremely good feet, because you're always attempting to beat opponents in the minimum of space. I loved the challenge of playing on such a small pitch.
The small playing area helped me improve my close control, and whenever I played futsal I felt free. If it wasn't for futsal, I wouldn't be the player I am today.
Player quotes via UEFA, "Futsal and me: top footballers share their love".
Pickleball took off because it made a familiar sport smaller, faster, social, and easier to jump into. The Yard does something similar for soccer: smaller fields, more action, less waiting, and a game that feels fun right away.
Full 11v11 soccer is really a constant series of small battles: 2v2s, 3v3s, quick combinations, pressure, and decisions in tight spaces. Small-sided fields isolate those moments and give players far more touches than a full-size game.
That makes soccer more accessible too. Less running, fewer players required, shorter games, and more chances for beginners, families, adults, and serious players to all enjoy the sport.
Compact courts turned tennis-style play into a social movement. Mini-pitches can do the same for soccer.
From casual pickup games to structured youth clinics, The Yard is designed to serve communities across Western New York.
Drop in anytime during posted hours for free pickup soccer and casual recreation. No sign-ups, no teams required — just show up and play.
Structured developmental sessions focused on technical skills, creativity, and decision-making in a fun, low-pressure small-sided environment.
Community-wide events and fundraising tournaments benefiting local and national causes. Soccer as a platform for giving back.
Recreational leagues for college students and adults across the region, keeping players active and connected to the game they love.
Dedicated programming and designated play times for children and adults with disabilities — because The Yard is truly for everyone.
Gatherings, watch parties, and neighborhood events that bring families together and strengthen local community bonds.
Board-enclosed synthetic turf fields designed for small-sided play — maximizing touches, involvement, and development for all skill levels.
Appropriate field lighting enables evening and weekend play, directly addressing the community need for safe after-hours recreation for teens and families.
A thoughtfully sized footprint with landscaping and buffering that can adapt to the character and needs of each potential host community.
Modular field components designed for durability, safety, and long-term flexibility — built to grow alongside the community.
Final design and configuration will depend on site partners, community input, and applicable review processes.
A world-class soccer facility concept designed for Western New York communities
Concept rendering courtesy of Urban Soccer Park.
Co-Executive Director
A lifelong Clarence resident, Connor grew up playing soccer through Clarence Soccer Club before advancing to Empire United Development Academy (now RNY MLS Next). He currently plays collegiate soccer at St. John Fisher University while studying marketing.
Connor has organized multiple small-sided community tournaments — including events that raised over $3,000 for Make-A-Wish — and operates a drone videography business, bringing real-world project management experience to The Yard.
Co-Executive Director
A Clarence native who progressed from Clarence Soccer Club to Empire United Development Academy, Tyler played Division I soccer at DePaul University in the Big East Conference and Division III at the University of Rochester.
Tyler holds degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering. His technical background and passion for youth development make him a driving force in building The Yard into a lasting community institution. Tyler also helped establish the Milcreek Cup, a community soccer tournament.
The Yard is built on community support. Whether you want to donate, volunteer, sponsor, or simply spread the word — every bit of support brings us closer to opening day.
Get Involved TodayHave questions about The Yard, want to get involved, or interested in partnering with us? We'd love to hear from you.