The effects of perceived trust in coach on performance in soccer team: Mediating role of team climate

This study examined the effect of trust in coach as perceived by soccer players on team climate and team performance. The survey was conducted using a combination of in-person and online and responses were collected through a self-report questionnaire, allowing participants to provide answers based on their own experiences and perceptions. A total of 202 soccer players (N = 202, male: 135, female: 67) registered with the Korea Football Association (KFA) responded to the survey. The age range of the participants was between 14 and 29 years, with a mean age of 18.43 years. Furthermore, Participants’ team levels were categorized as middle and high school (74.7%), university (17.8%), and professional (7.5%). Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to verify the normality of the data, while correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationships between variables. In addition, regression analysis was conducted using Hayes’ PROCESS macro to examine the mediating effects. As we expected, trust in coach was significantly related to team climate and team performance. Trust in coach was found to predict the team climate and team performance positively. Also, the mediating effect of team climate in the relationship between trust in coach and team performance was significant. These findings underscore the importance of trust and positive climate within sports teams, indicating the necessity of establishing trust between coaches and players and fostering a positive team climate for effective team management.