Match Ball Guide

NFHS Authentication is what makes a soccer ball eligible for U.S. high school sanctioned play. Here's what the mark means, why competitive club families need it too, and how to verify a ball carries it.

Most balls sold as "club soccer balls" aren't real match balls. Here's how to tell the difference, what FIFA Basic and NFHS Authentication actually mean, and what real match-ball quality looks like for youth club play.