KUDUS — The group stage for the MilkLife Soccer Challenge (MLSC) All Stars 2026 youth girls' soccer tournament was officially set during a draw held at the Saphire Hotel in Kudus on Monday night (June 21, 2026). The results mark the beginning of competition among the top teams from various regions across Indonesia, who will face off at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus from June 23–28, 2026.
This national competition brings together 12 of the best teams representing their respective cities following a series of regional selections and training programs. All participants will compete for top honors while showcasing their progress in a tournament designed to support youth women's soccer development.
The MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026 is part of the 2026 Women's Soccer Trilogy, an initiative organized by the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation and MilkLife. The tournament features a nine-a-side format for players under 12 years old (U-12) as part of a tiered development program for aspiring Indonesian female footballers.
According to the draw results, the 12 participating teams have been divided into three groups.
Group A consists of All Stars Surabaya, All Stars Jakarta, All Stars Malang, and All Stars Samarinda.
Group B consists of All Stars Solo, All Stars Yogyakarta, All Stars Semarang, and All Stars Banjarmasin.
Meanwhile, Group C contains All Stars Kudus, All Stars Bandung, All Stars Tangerang, and All Stars Bekasi.
The composition of the participating teams across each group promises a wide range of competitive potential. Teams arrive with varying degrees of experience and achievement gained through their respective regional MilkLife Soccer Challenge programs.
Group C has emerged as a focal point, featuring a lineup that includes host All Stars Kudus alongside All Stars Bandung, All Stars Tangerang, and All Stars Bekasi. The matchups in this group are expected to deliver high-stakes competition as early as the preliminary round.
All Stars Bekasi player Kanza Sabreina Gaffan expressed her enthusiasm following the group draw. She noted her pride in representing her city at the national round of the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026 in Kudus.
According to Kanza, her team has intensified training to prepare for the group stage, noting that the opportunity to face teams from different regions offers invaluable experience. "I am very happy and proud to be able to go to Kudus with the All Stars Bekasi team. We are excited to meet strong teams from other cities in Group C. Our preparation has involved stepping up our training intensity and focusing more on following the coach's instructions," Kanza said following the draw.
Kanza acknowledged awareness of the strengths of their upcoming opponents, particularly All Stars Kudus, citing their history as a championship-winning side. "We hear Kudus is a strong team with a title-winning history. We need to be vigilant about their tactics, stay focused on our own game, and be disciplined in our communication on the field so our strategy isn't easily read. Our goal is to represent Bekasi well and bring home the trophy," she stated.
These sentiments reflect the determination of young players not only aiming for success but also preparing to tackle the distinct playing styles of their rivals.
In Group B, All Stars Banjarmasin is taking a different approach. The team from South Kalimantan is prioritizing growth, focusing on the learning process and gaining match experience for their players.
All Stars Banjarmasin coach Indra Saprudin said his team is unconcerned about their group placement, emphasizing that participating in the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026 is a vital opportunity for his players to experience the atmosphere of a national-level competition.
"Looking at the draw, we are not too worried about which group we are in. As a team participating in this national MilkLife Soccer Challenge for the first time, our main focus is for the kids to enjoy every match," he said.
Indra believes the national exposure will provide important lessons, hoping the players utilize the opportunity to refine their skills and build confidence against diverse opponents. He added that the supportive youth soccer environment for girls in Kudus has left a positive impression, noting that such competitions are essential to the development of women's football in Indonesia.
"The youth development atmosphere in Kudus is extraordinary," said Indra.
He added that the tournament provides invaluable experience for participants by offering a highly competitive environment for young age groups.
"This event holds a very high standard for youth competition. If they can play with joy and excitement, their creativity on the field will naturally emerge," he stated.
However, Indra emphasized that his team's primary goal is not solely to pursue the championship title. He prioritizes the developmental process of players who have undergone training and preparations before appearing at the national tournament.
"Of course, every team wants to win, but for Banjarmasin, the most important thing is for the children to see the results of their training efforts. If we manage to win, that is just a bonus," he said.
The MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026 serves as a key stage in the youth women's football development process conducted through the 2026 Women's Soccer Trilogy series. Through this competition, players gain the opportunity to gauge their abilities while building match experience against opponents from various regions.
The nine-versus-nine format implemented for the U-12 age group is designed to meet the developmental needs of young players. Beyond focusing on match outcomes, the tournament serves as a learning platform for participants to improve technical skills, tactical awareness, and teamwork.
With the drawing process completed, all teams are now entering the final stage of preparations ahead of their opening matches. Competition among teams from 12 cities will begin at the Supersoccer Arena Stadium in Kudus on June 23 and continue through June 28, 2026.
The established draw results mark the starting point for each team in their pursuit of the best possible performance at the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026. Furthermore, this tournament serves as a platform for young players to gain experience, hone their skills, and showcase their potential on a national stage. (JMY/ITN/mainkekudus)