Abstract: A sports jersey/shirt suited for athletic participation, and particularly suitable for playing football, rugby, and the like where carrying a leather ball is involved. The shirt has several features that enhance the wearer's ability to firmly carry the ball with minimal slippage while improving the comfort of the shirt. The jersey includes a tactified surface on the outside surface of the sleeve where the ball contacts the arm as the player carries the ball in a tucked position. The surface is tacky to the touch to improve the connection between arm, shirt, and ball, thereby promoting enhanced ball security.