The role of colate athletic centers in improving the quality of health-enhancing recreational and sports services in the higher education system: Ukrainian and foreign experience

The article summarizes and systematizes information on assessing the capabilities of collegiate athletic centers in improving the quality of health-enhancing services provided for youth. The aim of the study was to analyze the special Ukrainian and foreign literature focused on identifying the role of collegiate athletic centers in improving the quality of health-enhancing recreational services in the higher education system. The following methods were used: theoretical analysis, generalization and systematization of special scientific and methodological literature, normative and methodological documents, and information resources of the Internet. A systematic analysis of a significant number of scientific works about the organization of physical education in higher education institutions showed the limitations of scientific developments related to the role of collegiate athletic centers in increasing the level of youth involvement in health-enhancing recreational programs of physical activity. This situation prevents solving the problem of improving the quality of physical exercise and sports services provided on the bases of higher education institutions in accordance with the functions assigned to them. The analysis of Ukrainian and foreign experience of organizing the work of collegiate athletic centers demonstrated the significant potential of these organizations in solving the problems of improving the health and increasing physical activity of student youth, whereas, the quality of the services provided was a limiting factor. Approaches to improving the quality of health-enhancing recreational services were proposed based on the generalization of best world practices and existing knowledge about the role of collegiate athletic centers in the system of higher education.