The Unsung Dedication of Groundskeepers Ensuring Seamless Match Execution

Kudus – The roar of the crowd, goal celebrations, and the goals themselves are often the most memorable parts of a soccer match. At the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 at Supersoccer Arena in Kudus, attention is naturally drawn to the action on the pitch. Yet, behind the scenes, a dedicated team works to ensure every match meets professional standards.

Long before the stands fill, the Supersoccer Arena grounds crew is already at work. They prepare the pitch, measure the dimensions, mark the lines, and ensure every element complies with regulations. Their work continues even after the final whistle, as they quickly pivot to prepare the field for the next scheduled match once the spectators leave.

Precision from the Start

The pristine condition of the pitch is the culmination of days of preparation. The Supersoccer Arena grounds team began their work on July 2–3, 2026.

Field marker Catur Anggoro and his three-person team measured the entire pitch using tape measures and guide ropes. Afterward, they applied the lines using a specialized paint trolley, utilizing a mixture of paint and calcium carbonate.

The U-18 category utilizes a regulation-sized 105 x 68-meter pitch, while the U-15 matches are played on a 68 x 44-meter field tailored for nine-a-side formats.

“Our primary task is to ensure the pitch is laid out to ideal dimensions. For U-18, we use 105 x 68 meters, and for U-15, 68 x 44 meters. Everything must be precise and in line with HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars standards,” Catur said on Sunday (July 12, 2026).

The process demands extreme accuracy from the initial measurements. The center circle, penalty boxes, penalty spots, and corner areas must all be exact. Once completed, a final inspection is conducted with match officials before the pitch is declared ready for play.

Supersoccer Arena Grounds Manager Rochmansyah Setiawan confirmed that a joint check with the referees is conducted before every kick-off.

“Everything is inspected with the referees, from field dimensions, line thickness, and penalty spots, to goal sizes. Standards must be strictly maintained because this event is part of developing players for higher levels of competition,” he said.

Changing Field Dimensions in One Hour

The greatest challenge arose once the competition was underway. Over the course of the eight-day event, a single field was shared by the U-15 and U-18 categories, which require different dimensions.

This meant that every time a U-15 match concluded, all existing lines had to be cleared before the field was remarked to U-18 specifications. The entire process had to be completed in about an hour to ensure the next match started as scheduled.

“Our difficulty was that if the field was used for U-15 in the morning, it had to be converted to U-18 in the afternoon. All lines had to be removed and repainted within an hour because the next match would start shortly,” explained Catur.

The field configuration was changed twice daily. Throughout the tournament, the team used approximately 25 liters of paint, with an average of five liters per repainting session. The entire effort was a collaborative task, spanning the removal of old lines, re-measuring, and repainting the entire field. 

Under tight time constraints, coordination was the key to ensuring all steps were finished before the players took to the field.

When Spectators Leave, Preparations for the Next Day Begin

A similar routine was followed by Ahmad Sauji, who joined as a volunteer. He assisted in the field reconfiguration process every time the match schedule changed.

For most spectators, a match ends when the final whistle blows. But for Sauji, that is when the real work begins. Alongside his colleagues, he returns to the field to prepare the arena for the following day's matches.

Once the stands slowly empty, he and his team return to the pitch to adjust the playing area dimensions to ensure they are ready for the next day. This routine is maintained daily throughout the tournament.

“The most memorable moments are during the field setup. It is the most demanding work because we have to wait until all matches have concluded. Yesterday, we did not finish setting up the field until around 11:00 p.m. WIB. Before kick-off, all equipment must be ready. Even then, we cannot leave immediately as we still have to inspect the condition of the field,” he said.

This operation continues every day throughout the tournament. When matches resume the following morning, the pitch is in prime condition, showing no signs of the extensive work conducted just hours earlier.

For Sauji, his involvement in a competition featuring teams from Central Java, East Java, West Java, and Jakarta has been a proud experience.

Small Details Crucial to Player Safety

Another role is performed by Prasetyo Budi as a member of the medical stretcher crew. Beyond remaining on standby during matches, he also helps ensure the field remains safe following the reconfiguration of the playing area dimensions.

Part of his duties involves removing leftover line-marking powder before the pitch is prepared for the next match.

During the semifinals, he and his team started their shifts earlier than usual. While they typically begin operations at 8:30 a.m. WIB, they were on-site by 8:00 a.m. WIB this time to account for potential penalty shootouts and ensure the schedule remains on track.

"The biggest challenge is adjusting the field size multiple times a day to accommodate both U-15 and U-18 categories. Additionally, we must clear away the white magnesium residue used for marking the lines," he noted.

According to Prasetyo, a clean and properly prepared pitch helps athletes perform with greater ease and minimizes potential distractions during the game.

As a resident of Kudus, he expressed pride in being part of a tournament that brings together young talent from across Indonesia.

The Foundation of a Match

During a match, spectators typically focus on the players, coaches, and referees. Yet, well before the opening whistle, a series of essential operations ensures the game meets professional standards.

A team composed of four grounds crew members, volunteers, field officials, and stretcher-bearers work in seamless coordination. They ensure that field dimensions remain precise, equipment is ready for use, and court configurations are adjusted within tightly constrained timeframes.

While their work does not appear in official match statistics, from the meticulously painted lines to every field reconfiguration and pre-kick-off inspection, their contributions allow young athletes to compete in a safe and optimal environment.

Before a goal is scored or a trophy is lifted, the true match begins with tasks completed long in advance. It is from those carefully drawn white lines that every match finds its foundation. (ITN/DN/mainkekudus)