The Effect of 8-Week Soccer Training on Group Dynamics and Group Consciousness of Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

This study examines the effect of 8-week soccer training on group dynamics and group consciousness of individuals with educable intellectual disabilities. In this study, a one-group pretest-posttest model was used. The study included 8 male individuals aged 13-17 in a special education institution in Mersin province. Before and after the 8-week soccer training, 3 physical education teachers made independent observations and evaluated them with an observation form. According to the observation form pre-test and post-test mean scores, the % difference was calculated from descriptive statistics. When the pre-test and post-test percentage differences were examined; improvements were made in the areas of correct defense (40%), correct offense (40%), successful pass (40%), correct intervention (50%), goal to the opponent's goal (50%), ball control (60%), ball winning (50%), defensive error (20%), intervention to teammate (50%), goal to the wrong goal (20%), ball loss (40%) and team integrity (70%). As a result of the study, it was seen that long-term soccer training was beneficial in branch-specific skills, physical and mental development in individuals with intellectual disabilities. In addition, group consciousness was observed in individuals and behavioral changes occurred in this direction. Since there is a limited number of studies on group consciousness and group awareness in individuals with intellectual disabilities; it is thought that this study will contribute to the literature and guide future studies.