Collective efficacy of national football teams of the Czech Republic

The article examines the influence of collective efficacy on the performance of national football youth teams in the Czech Republic. Collective efficacy, understood as the shared belief of team members in achieving common goals, is a crucial factor in team psychology that can significantly influence team performance. This study aims to determine how team cohesion and shared trust among players affect match outcomes and to assess whether higher collective efficacy contributes to victory, or whether its role lies more in supporting team dynamics and resilience in the long term. The research sample included 145 players in the U15 to U21 age categories, whose collective efficacy was measured using the validated CEQS questionnaire. The results suggest that collective efficacy does not guarantee victory but supports team cohesion and the ability to face challenges, which may be crucial for the long-term development of players. Differences were identified between age groups, with younger teams (U15) showing higher collective efficacy levels than older teams (U19 and U21). An interesting finding was that higher collective efficacy was more common in teams that lost the match, suggesting that its importance lies primarily in maintaining a positive team spirit and mutual support. The study highlights the need for regular measurement of collective efficacy to monitor team dynamics and identify areas for further development. It also highlights the importance of other factors, such as the quality of coaching, team communication and tactical preparation, which, together with collective efficacy, influence teams' overall success. The findings provide practical implications for working with youth teams and suggestions for future research on a broader range of sports and age groups.