Los entrenadores como promotores de la cohesión del equipo Coaches as promoters of team cohesion Os treinadores como promotores da coesão de equipa

The objective of this study was threefold: 1) To determine the links between the perceived coach-created motivational climate and co- hesion, 2) To test a model with the following sequence: Dimensions of the perceived coach-created motivational climate  self-determined moti- vation  Dimensions of cohesion, and 3) To examine the meditational role of self-determined motivation in the relationship between perceived coach-created motivational climate and cohesion. Eight hundred and night young footballers (789 boys and 11 girls; M age = 11.49 ± 1.16) completed a package of questionnaires assessing the variables of interest at the begin- ning of the season. Bivariate correlations revealed positive relations between perceptions of a task-involving climate and both task and social cohesion, while perceived ego-involving climate was negatively related to task cohe- sion. Structural equation modeling revealed perceptions of a task involving climate and ego involving climate were positively and negatively, respec- tively, related to self-determined motivation. Self-determined motivation was positively related with both task cohesion and social cohesion. Finally, self-determined motivation partially mediated the relationships between perceptions of a task involving climate and both dimensions of cohesion (task and social). Total mediation, however, was supported in the case of perceived ego involving climate and task and social cohesion. The implica - tions of coach behaviours for team cohesion building and players quality of motivation are emphasized.