Identifying Opportunities and Challenges of Female Students' Sports

Background and Purpose
Students represent the future leaders and planners of their societies, and as such, the expectations placed upon schools and educational systems are becoming increasingly complex and demanding. In response to these growing societal expectations, countries around the world are striving to improve their educational institutions, aiming to better prepare students for the challenges of the future. Among the many factors that contribute to the holistic development and education of individuals within a community, the promotion of physical activity, the institutionalization of physical education within schools, and the encouragement of student participation in sports stand out as particularly significant (Shahouli Kouhshouri et al., 2021).
Within the national context, student sports and school-based physical education constitute the most established and official organizations within the sports sector. Despite nearly a century having passed since the formal establishment of student sports management, this field continues to face numerous challenges. As a consequence, educational sports in the country have yet to provide a robust foundation for the development of both public and elite sports. The importance of educational sports extends beyond mere physical development; it also plays a vital role in cultivating psychomotor skills and fostering psychological, cultural, and social growth among students (Lawson, 2020). Research has consistently demonstrated that the development of student sports can have a positive influence on the broader development of sports at the community level (Samerly, 2020). Given the multifaceted benefits and functions of educational sports, it is essential to support and expand these activities in every community. Achieving this goal requires a solid body of scientific evidence that elucidates the functions of educational sports across various dimensions and contexts.
 Materials and Methods
The present study employed a qualitative research design, utilizing thematic analysis as the primary methodological approach. The statistical population consisted of experts and specialists in the field of girls' sports education within Kermanshah province. This population included individuals such as the head of the Physical Education and Sports Activities Office of the Education Department, the deputy for physical education and health, responsible experts in physical education, physical education specialists, officials from sports associations, and educational group leaders involved in physical education and sports activities across the province.
Given the qualitative nature of the study and the use of interviews as the primary data collection tool, purposive sampling was employed, complemented by a snowball sampling technique to ensure the inclusion of key informants. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, which occurred after conducting thirteen in-depth, semi-structured interviews with participants from the target population. The interview questions were initially broad, focusing on the general opportunities and challenges facing girls' sports in Kermanshah province. As the interviews progressed and new participants were selected, the questions became increasingly specific and detailed, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the subject matter.
To ensure the validity and reliability of the qualitative research findings, the criteria established by Guba and Lincoln (1989) were rigorously applied. Data analysis was conducted using thematic analysis, which involved three stages of coding: the identification of initial concepts, the development of secondary themes, and the extraction of main themes. This process was facilitated by the use of MAXQDA software version 18, which enabled systematic coding and analysis of the interview transcripts. Importantly, coding and data analysis were carried out concurrently with data collection, allowing for iterative refinement of the research focus and facilitating theoretical sampling throughout the research process.
 Findings
The analysis of the thirteen interviews resulted in the identification of 254 initial concepts. After eliminating duplicate concepts and consolidating related or similar meanings, a total of 225 distinct concepts relevant to the opportunities and challenges of sports for schoolgirls in Kermanshah province were retained. These concepts were further organized into 26 sub-themes and three overarching main themes: opportunities, challenges, and solutions.
Within the main theme of opportunities, nine sub-themes were identified. These included extracurricular physical education, the capabilities of human resources, competitive sports activities, the availability and quality of leisure sports facilities, the presence of supportive educational programs, infrastructural and environmental opportunities, social opportunities, the involvement of family and friends, and motivational opportunities. These sub-themes collectively highlight the diverse range of factors that can facilitate the development of sports among schoolgirls in Kermanshah province.
Conversely, the analysis revealed nine sub-themes associated with the challenges facing girls' sports in the region. These challenges encompassed inadequate and insufficient infrastructure and facilities, weaknesses in human resources, deficiencies in talent identification processes, financial and economic constraints, managerial challenges, structural and administrative obstacles, cultural and religious limitations, concerns regarding safety and security, and legal challenges. Together, these sub-themes illustrate the multifaceted barriers that hinder the participation and advancement of schoolgirls in sports activities.
Finally, the study identified eight sub-themes pertaining to strategies for enhancing sports opportunities for schoolgirls in Kermanshah. These strategies included improving infrastructure, fostering a culture that supports girls' sports, implementing organized talent identification programs, developing motivational strategies, strengthening human resources, undertaking structural and administrative reforms, and ensuring the effective mobilization and utilization of financial resources. These strategies were seen as essential for capitalizing on existing opportunities and addressing the identified challenges.
 Discussion
Kermanshah province possesses significant potential for the development of girls' sports, owing in part to its favorable weather and climate conditions. The natural environment is conducive to activities such as walking, hiking, and other outdoor sports, both within urban areas and in nature. By adhering to appropriate safety guidelines, it is possible to create and expand opportunities for students to engage in outdoor sports, thereby utilizing the province's natural resources to promote physical activity among girls.
Social opportunities also play a critical role in the development of girls' sports. Participation in physical activities and sports competitions can strengthen social relationships among girls, fostering a sense of community and belonging. However, financial and economic challenges remain a significant barrier. Insufficient funding for girls' sports programs, inadequate budgets for the construction and maintenance of sports facilities, and the high costs associated with training courses for referees, coaches, students, and teachers have collectively limited the participation of female students in sports.
Infrastructural deficiencies, particularly the lack of adequate facilities, further hinder the development of student sports. The prohibition against using open sports spaces for girls' activities has resulted in unequal opportunities compared to boys. To address these issues, it is essential to prioritize the improvement of sports infrastructure as a key strategy for the nationwide development of girls' student sports, with particular emphasis on Kermanshah province. Increasing the per capita availability of sports spaces and facilities, constructing indoor sports halls with sufficient capacity, and building dedicated facilities for women and girls are all critical steps. The establishment of artificial turf fields in schoolyards can also enhance the usability of school spaces. Furthermore, improving the safety and quality of sports facilities will enable schools to maximize the use of their environments for physical activity.
 Conclusion
This study provides a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges associated with female student sports in Kermanshah province. The findings underscore the importance of targeted strategies to improve infrastructure, create a supportive culture for girls' sports, implement organized talent identification, develop motivational initiatives, strengthen human resources, undertake structural and administrative reforms, and effectively utilize and attract financial resources. Policymakers and managers responsible for girls' sports in the education sector can leverage these insights to develop and implement effective programs that capitalize on opportunities while addressing and overcoming challenges.
 Article Message
This study has systematically presented the opportunities and challenges facing female student sports. It provides actionable strategies for policymakers and managers in the education sector to enhance infrastructure, foster a supportive culture, implement organized talent identification, develop motivational initiatives, strengthen human resources, undertake necessary reforms, and mobilize financial resources to maximize the benefits of girls' sports and address existing obstacles.