The 17-year-old victim was walking with friends near the old Fartown Ground in Huddersfield on Wednesday night.
He sustained a non-life threatening injury in the incident, which occurred on a woodland path which runs from Richmond Avenue to the rear of the Woodlanders FC football pitch off Spaines Road.
Police said the shooting happened between 8.30pm and 9pm on the path.
The victim fled
The victim fled the area with friends, who rang 999 from outside Fartown Library.
He was taken to hospital and later discharged after treatment for what was confirmed to be a bullet injury, a police spokesperson said.
Two masked men were spotted behind trees in a snicket off Richmond Avenue just before the firearm was discharged, they added.
What the DI said
Detective Inspector Fiona Allan of the West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team said: “All firearms offences, and particularly offences involving injuries, are treated exceptionally seriously and multiple inquiries are ongoing today into what took place.
“Fortunately the injury to the victim was not life-threatening but the consequences could clearly have been much worse.
“We are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident and have been carrying out inquiries at the scenes overnight.
“Local officers have also been conducting reassurance patrols in the local area and speaking with partners.
“Our officers do want to speak with anyone who may have seen two men in balaclavas anywhere in the area near the Woodlanders FC football pitch or in the surrounding streets yesterday evening or who has information, CCTV or dashcam footage which could assist the investigation.”
Woodland is close to legendary club
The woodland is close to a location famous for being the home ground of Huddersfield Rugby League Club from 1878 to 1992.
The Fartown Ground consisted of a rugby ground, a cricket ground used by Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Bowling greens and a running track as well as a pavilion.
It was the scene of many great games, including the Challenge Cup finals of 1908 and 1910, several Challenge Cup semi finals, John Player Cup finals and international matches.