ANALYSIS OF CURRENT PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF PHYSICAL CULTURE AND SPORTS AMONG YOUTH AND STUDENTS

ABSTRACT

The article discusses current issues related to the development of physical culture and sports among youth and students in the context of modern social and technological transformations. The analysis of factors hindering the formation of sustainable motivation for physical activity, such as insufficient infrastructure, low awareness, lack of innovative approaches and the digitalization of leisure, is carried out. The directions of improving the physical education system are presented: individualization of programs, development of student sports, introduction of digital technologies and formation of a motivational environment. The necessity of an integrated interdisciplinary approach and government involvement in solving the tasks is emphasized. Special attention is paid to the role of education and international experience in creating favorable conditions for youth involvement in sports.

Keywords: physical culture, sport, health, prospects, physical activity, sociological research.

Physical culture and sport have long been regarded as important elements of the harmonious development of personality and public health. In a rapidly changing world saturated with digital technologies, stress, environmental and social challenges, issues of improving the health of the younger generation are becoming particularly relevant. It is physical culture that can become not only a tool for disease prevention, but also an important factor in socialization, the formation of value attitudes, the development of discipline and leadership skills. Youth and students, as the most active and receptive social group, are at the center of attention of state policy in the field of education, health and sports. However, despite the widespread recognition of the role of physical culture, the level of youth involvement in regular physical activity remains alarmingly low. Modern statistics show a steady downward trend in interest in sports, especially among students. This problem is compounded by a number of factors, including overloaded curricula, low motivation, lack of high-quality infrastructure, the dominance of digital forms of leisure, and insufficient awareness of the benefits of physical activity.

In the university environment, physical education is often perceived by students formally as a mandatory but insignificant element of the curriculum. This is largely due to outdated approaches to the organization of the educational process, lack of individualization and orientation to the interests of students. Many students participate in physical education classes "for show", not realizing their importance for their own health and well-being. This situation requires a deep rethinking of the methodology of physical education, the introduction of new, innovative forms of work, the creation of a motivational environment and conditions for full-fledged physical development.

Separately, it is worth noting the social significance of physical culture as a factor in the formation of a healthy lifestyle. During the student period, key habits are laid down that persist throughout life. Getting involved in sports at this age helps to reduce the risks of chronic diseases and psychoemotional disorders. In addition, active participation in sports life contributes to the formation of team spirit, communication skills and stress tolerance — qualities that are in great demand in professional activities.

The relevance of the study is due to the need to study modern problems that hinder the involvement of young people in regular physical education, as well as the search for effective ways to solve them.

The purpose of the study. to conduct a comprehensive analysis of current problems in the field of physical culture and sports among youth and students, as well as identify promising areas of development in this area.

Within the framework of this goal, the following tasks are being solved:

1. to determine the role of physical culture in the life of modern youth; to identify key problems and barriers to the involvement of students in sports;

2. to explore the possibilities of using modern technologies and innovative methods;

3. analyze successful practices and models (including international experience);

4. Identify areas for improving physical education in educational institutions.

The research methods were: - a sociological survey among students of Kazan State Energy University in order to collect data on the current level of physical activity, identify obstacles and motivation factors; - study the literature on the research problem.

The results of the study and their discussion

To analyze the level of physical activity and identify factors influencing sports, the respondents were asked two key questions. 112 students (67 women and 45 men) of Kazan State Energy University took part in the survey. The questions covered both the frequency of physical activity and the reasons preventing regular exercise. The results of the data obtained are shown in Figs. 1, 2.

Fig.1. The frequency of physical activity among students

Fig. 2. The main obstacles to physical activity

The first question (fig.1) was aimed at determining the frequency of physical activity, and respondents were asked to choose one of the response options. The results were distributed as follows:

• 22 students (16.1%) engage in physical activity daily, which indicates a high level of involvement of this group of people in sports.
• 48 people (37.5%) exercise several times a week, which indicates a regular and conscious approach to maintaining physical fitness.
• 27 respondents (22.3%) train once a week. This most likely indicates attempts to combine physical activity with other aspects of daily life, but to a lesser extent.
• 15 respondents (10.7%) practically do not exercise, which indicates a low level of interest in physical activity.

Thus, according to the results of the analysis, it turned out that only about half of the students (53.6%) engage in sports on a regular basis, while the remaining part either have low activity or practically no activity.

The second question (fig. 2) concerned the identification of the main obstacles to sports. The data obtained showed the following:

• Lack of time was the most frequently cited reason, cited by 37 students (31.2%). This indicates difficulties in combining physical activity with study and work.
• The lack of suitable conditions was noted by 20 respondents (17.9%). This suggests the need to create an accessible sports infrastructure, especially in educational institutions.

Lack of motivation was a significant factor for 27 respondents (22.3%), which indicates the importance of working with values and promoting sports among students.

• 10 people (8.9%) mentioned the high cost of sports activities. This may be due to paid access to sports sections or halls that are inaccessible to some young people.
• 8 people (5%) noted the absence of a company for joint activities, which may indicate the importance of group activities for motivation formation.
• 8 students (7.4%) are not interested in physical activity, which requires the search for more exciting and modern forms of activities.

Thus, the analysis of the responses shows that the main barriers to regular physical activity among students are related to lack of time, lack of motivation and lack of conditions.

Based on the results of the survey, it is proposed to implement the following activities and programs aimed at eliminating the identified barriers and increasing students' involvement in physical education:

• Introduction of variable physical education programs that take into account the interests of students
• Development of student sports clubs and associations with the possibility of participating in interuniversity tournaments and university leagues.
• Organization of regular sports events, challenges and festivals aimed at promoting an active lifestyle.

Physical culture and sport play a key role in shaping the physical, mental and social health of young people. At the student age, it is especially important to lay the foundations of a healthy lifestyle, develop a stable motivation for physical activity and form a positive attitude towards sports as an integral part of everyday life. However, the results of the analysis show that there are serious barriers preventing students from actively participating in physical education activities.

Solving these problems requires a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach. It is necessary to transform the content and forms of physical education teaching in universities, ensuring their flexibility, individualization and compliance with the modern interests of young people. An important area is the development of student sports and the creation of conditions for regular classes.

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