Growing Through the Process, Strengthened by Support
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. Disappointment was evident as the players left the pitch, their dreams of bringing home the trophy falling just short.
However, moments later, Oedaija O’Shea Sharinah was called to the stage. The Arema FC Women U-18 midfielder was named Best Player U-18, an award bestowed upon her even as her team missed out on the final.
“I feel happy and proud to be recognized as the best player. I didn't expect it, so when my name was called, I was a bit nervous,” she said.
This award serves as a reminder that while winning is the primary objective in youth football, it is not the only barometer of success. Behind every achievement lies a long process that continues to hone an athlete's potential.
From Grassroots Beginnings
Long before standing on the podium in Kudus, Oedaija’s journey began in Simpang Tiga Pekan Village, Perbaungan, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra. At the age of six, the local field served as her introduction to the sport.
“I have been playing since I was six. The training process can be exhausting and monotonous, but eventually, you learn to enjoy it. My father was the most influential figure; he was the one who introduced me to the game and coached me.”
The road was not always easy. As a female footballer, Oedaija faced physical challenges, fatigue, and moments of self-doubt. Yet, these trials proved essential to her development.
“The biggest challenge as a girl is sometimes dealing with health issues or menstruation. This award is very meaningful because it is rare to receive a ‘Best Player’ accolade in a national tournament. I dedicate this to my father, my coach, and my team. Staying self-confident is what kept me consistent, even when I had doubts lately.”
The performances throughout the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 have drawn significant attention, with Oedaija O’Shea Sharinah standing out for her consistency. Throughout the tournament, a scouting team comprising Timo Scheunemann, Jacksen F. Tiago, and Takumi Taniguchi monitored the players' development as part of the selection process for the Indonesia U-16 squad.
These observations serve as a key reference for selecting players with the potential to represent two Indonesia U-16 teams at the Srikandi Merdeka Cup, scheduled for August 14–23, 2026, at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus. Thus, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars acts not only as a competitive arena for young athletes but also as a pathway to further development and opportunities to compete at higher levels.
Process Over Results
Arema FC Women U-18 head coach Dindin Wahyudin emphasized that national-level match experience is vital for the development of these players.
“First and foremost, it is about the experience for the children. At the national level, there are 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 Dindin, developing young athletes is not solely about technical or tactical ability, but also about building mental resilience on the pitch.
“Competitive mentality must be continuously sharpened. Some players are experienced, while others are competing at the national level for the first time. I still appreciate their efforts, even though our journey ended in the semifinals.”
For them, every match provides a new lesson. While the final score is important, the true value lies in how the players develop from every experience they face.
Support that Keeps Dreams Alive
This journey is certainly not one that players take alone. Behind every training session, road trip, and defeat, families are there to provide ongoing support.
That is exactly what Solichah, mother of Arema FC Women U-18 goalkeeper Keysha Putri Dwi Arianti, did. She took a week off work 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 Arema U-18, I have come to support both the U-15 and U-18 teams.”
Throughout the competition, Solichah has observed the players' growth from day to day. She believes the experience of facing the best teams from various regions is a valuable asset for their development.
For her, the presence of parents in the stands is about more than just encouragement; it helps the athletes maintain confidence on the field and ensures they bounce back when results fall short of expectations.
The Long Road to Recognition
Family support was also instrumental in Oedaija's journey. Her father, Chairil Syafwan, is a former U-16 Indonesian National Team player who first introduced his daughter to the sport.
Speaking 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 an inspiration for women’s football in North Sumatra. We are also grateful that Arema opened its doors to our child from the village,” he said.
Chairil recalled coaching Oedaija since she was in elementary school. He even brought her to Jakarta so she could gain experience and develop in a more competitive football environment.
“I am moved to tears. A girl from a village proving she can be the best player in Java. She has been training regularly since first grade, practicing alongside the boys. When she was in fifth grade, I took her to Jakarta for nearly two years to gain experience.”
For him, the award is not the finish line, but the result of a long, shared journey over many years.
The HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 has concluded. While some teams returned home with trophies, others fell short of their expectations. However, for the young athletes who performed in Kudus, the journey continues.
Every match served as a learning opportunity, every performance review provided a foundation for growth, and every form of support from coaches and family reinforced their commitment to move forward.
Oedaija’s story is evidence of this. Her award as the best player was not achieved overnight; it was built through early training, the courage to face challenges, professional guidance, and the support of a family that never stopped believing in her.
Ultimately, youth football teaches more than just how to win a match. It teaches that true victory is forged through a long process—a process typically shared with the people who continue to walk alongside an athlete in pursuit of their dreams. (JMY/HNR/mainkekudus)