Comparative Analysis of Leadership Qualities in Young People Engaged in Individual and Team Sports

In modern society, the issues of formation and development of leadership qualities of young people are of particular importance. Sports activities are a unique environment for the development of leadership potential, but the nature of this development varies significantly depending on the specifics of the chosen sport. Scientific interest in this issue is determined by the fact that sport as a social institution creates special conditions for the manifestation and development of various aspects of leadership. The article presents the results of a study of the features of the formation of leadership qualities in young athletes specializing in individual and team sports. The relevance of the study is due to the need for a deep understanding of the mechanisms of formation of leadership qualities in young athletes in order to create effective programs for training future leaders in the sports field and beyond. The subject of the study is the leadership qualities of young athletes. The purpose of the work is to identify differences in the manifestation of leadership qualities in representatives of individual and team sports. The research methodology includes a comprehensive approach using psychodiagnostic techniques, expert assessment and in-depth interviews. The study involved 124 athletes aged 16 to 21 years. The results showed that representatives of team sports demonstrate higher levels of communication skills and social interaction, while athletes of individual disciplines have more developed self-control and personal responsibility. Scientific novelty lies in identifying different models of leadership perception in athletes of different specializations. The results obtained can be applied in developing programs for the development of leadership qualities in the sports environment and the system of physical education of young people.