soccer ball; white ball with pentagons; black and white 3d circle; A FOOTBALL, SOCCER BALL, OR ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL BALL IS THE BALL USED IN THE SPORT OF ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL. THE NAME OF THE BALL VARIES ACCORDING TO WHETHER THE SPORT IS CALLED "FOOTBALL", "SOCCER", OR "ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL"; The covering is backed with multiple layers of lining of polyester or cotton blend which gives the ball its strength, structure, and bounce. The bladder inside the ball is what holds the air. The bladders are usually made of latex rubber or butyl (rubber-like material). Most balls use valves for air retention