Cohesion and performance in women’s football

Abstract

The purpose of the current study was to examine the relationship between cohesion and performance in a female university football team. Individual perceptions evaluated the cohesiveness of the team in relation to performance. Three participants were involved in the present study, all of which have been involved with the club for a year or more. Qualitative data collection was employed to gain a detailed insight into the cohesion-performance relationship, and the factors that emerge that can hinder or enhance team performance. Performance measures were collected following a period of six competitive games. The results indicated that the team's cohesion was influenced by the score line which in turn affected the team's morale and furthermore cohesion. Greater task cohesion was reported as the team's goals grew closer and the increased pressure to perform towards the end of the playing season. Social cohesion played a significant part in the team's overall unity with many friendships emerging from social activities and the likeability between team members. However, social cohesion was prevalent throughout the six game period and did not differentiate in particular between games. The results demonstrated that increased cohesion influenced performance positively, however conflict amongst team members effected the team in a negative manner. There was also evidence that suggested that an irregular playing team contributed towards' the teams overall unity.