The effects of group development techniques on a professional athletic team

A team of 22 British professional soccer players attended a 5-day group development training course (DTC), conducted by the British Army, which included athletic and nonathletic activities. Data concerning self-reported indices of group cohesion and mental well-being were obtained approximately 2 mo before the DTC, and immediately before and after the DTC. As a result of the DTC, group cohesion improved, individual self-esteem improved significantly, and general stress was reduced significantly.