Kudus – The journey of Arema FC Women U-18 (Malang) ended in the semifinals of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus. Visible disappointment lingered as the players left the pitch, their hopes of clinching the trophy dashed.
Moments later, however, Oedaija O’Shea Sharinah was called forward. The Arema FC Women U-18 midfielder was named Best Player U-18, an honor bestowed upon her despite her team’s semifinal exit.
“I feel happy and proud to be the best player. I didn’t expect it, so when I was suddenly called, I was quite nervous,” she said.
The award serves as a reminder that while winning is the objective of every youth soccer match, it is not the only measure of success. Behind every achievement lies a long development process that shapes an athlete.
Starting from the Village Pitch
Long before standing on the podium in Kudus, Oedaija’s journey began in Simpang Tiga Pekan, Perbaungan, Serdang Bedagai, North Sumatra. Since age six, the local village pitch has been where she first discovered the sport.
“I have been playing soccer since I was six. The process has had its moments of fatigue and boredom, but over time I have learned to enjoy it. My father left the biggest impression on me because he was the first to introduce me to the game and coach me.”
The path has not always been smooth. As a female footballer, Oedaija has faced physical challenges, exhaustion, and moments of self-doubt. Yet, these struggles have become vital parts of her growth.
“The biggest challenge as a girl is sometimes dealing with health issues or menstruation. This award means a lot because it is rare to receive 'Best Player' in a national tournament. I dedicate this to my father, my coaches, and my team. Staying confident is what keeps me consistent, even though I had my doubts yesterday.”
The performances throughout the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 drew significant attention, with Oedaija O’Shea Sharinah consistently standing out. The competition provided a platform for all participants to showcase their talents, while a scouting team—comprising Timo Scheunemann, Jacksen F. Tiago, and Takumi Taniguchi—monitored each player for potential selection to the Indonesia U-16 squad.
These observations serve as part of the criteria for selecting players to represent the two Indonesia U-16 teams in the Srikandi Merdeka Cup, scheduled for August 14–23, 2026, at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus. Consequently, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars acts not only as a competitive platform for young athletes but also as a pathway for them to advance their training and compete at higher levels.
Process Over Results
Arema FC Women U-18 head coach Dindin Wahyudin emphasized that gaining national-level competition experience is vital for player development.
“First and foremost, it is about the experience for the players. At the national level, we face many top teams from various regions. This gives us a clear picture of what needs to be evaluated and prepared for the future,” he said.
According to Wahyudin, training young athletes requires a focus that extends beyond technical and tactical skills to include building a competitive mindset.
“Competitive spirit must be continuously sharpened. Some players are experienced, while others are making their national-level debut. I deeply appreciate their efforts, even though our journey ended in the semifinals.”
To her, every match offers a new lesson. While the final score is important, the true value lies in how the players grow from every experience.
Support That Keeps Dreams Alive
This process is certainly not undertaken by the players alone. Behind every training session, travel, and setback, families remain a steadfast source of support.
This was evident in the commitment of Solichah, mother of Arema FC Women U-18 goalkeeper Keysha Putri Dwi Arianti. She took a week of leave specifically to accompany her daughter during the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars in Kudus.
“I have been here for a week to support the Arema players. Since my daughter plays for the U-18 team, I have been supporting both the U-15 and U-18 squads.”
Throughout the tournament, Solichah observed the players' steady improvement. She believes that facing top-tier teams from across the region is a crucial investment in their development.
For her, the presence of parents in the stands goes beyond mere cheering; it instills confidence in the players and helps them bounce back when results fall short of expectations.
The Long Road Behind an Achievement
Family support also played a vital role in Oedaija's journey. Her father, Chairil Syafwan, a former member of the Indonesia U-16 national team, was the first to introduce the sport to his daughter.
From North Sumatra, Chairil admitted he was overcome with emotion upon learning that Oedaija had been named the U-18 Best Player.
“We are incredibly happy. We hope this serves as inspiration for women's football in North Sumatra. We are also grateful that Arema was willing to accept our child from her village.”
Chairil recalls coaching Oedaija since she was in elementary school. He even took his daughter to Jakarta so she could gain experience and have opportunities to develop in a more competitive football environment.
“I was so happy, I was moved to tears. To think a child from a small village could become the best player in Java. She has been training consistently since the first grade, practicing with the boys. When she was in fifth grade, I took her to Jakarta for almost two years to gain experience.”
For him, the award is not the end of the journey, but the result of a long process they have shared for years.
The HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 has concluded. Some teams went home with trophies, while others fell short of expectations. Yet for the young athletes who competed in Kudus, their journey continues.
Every match served as a learning experience. Every evaluation provided a foundation for growth. Every ounce of support from coaches and family became the strength needed to keep moving forward.
Oedaija's story is proof of this. The award for best player was not achieved overnight, but through training from an early age, the courage to face challenges, coaching guidance, and the unwavering belief of her family.
Ultimately, youth football teaches more than just how to win a match. It teaches that true victory is built through a long process, one almost always navigated alongside those who support an athlete's journey toward their dreams. (JMY/HNR/mainkekudus)