Educational course "Basics of working with fans" as a factor in the objectification of perception of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and football fans in Russia

Abstract

The FIFA 2018 World Cup is a significant event for Russian society. Ministries carry out various actions to promote football in the country. The Russian society of sociologists conducted a survey (4703 respondents) to understand the attitude to the Championship. Further, the teachers of the Ural Federal University conducted a survey of the attitude to football fans. Scientists have found that over the past 7 years, citizens have become more positive about fanaticism, but there is a problem of lack of objective information. To solve this problem, teachers at the Institute of physical culture of the Ural Federal University have developed a special course "Basics of working with the fans". The course is designed for students, postgraduates and teachers of physical education departments of universities, as well as stewards and volunteers. Since September 2017, 118 students have been trained in this course. The course consists of two parts: theoretical – describing the types of fans, information about the differences between fans from different countries; practical – reviewing the real situations of interaction with fans, communicating with Russian and foreign fans. Classes are conducted by a sports psychologist who studies football fans for 8 years.