Behind the Scenes of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026: The Dedicated Staff Arriving Early and Staying Late

KUDUS – Spectators filling the stands at the Supersoccer Arena (SSA) in Kudus typically see only the action unfolding on the pitch. The cheers, the goals, and the final whistle are what remain most memorable. However, long before the first ball is kicked, a dedicated team works behind the scenes to ensure every match runs smoothly.

While the players are still resting, staff members have been active since the early hours of the morning. Even after the final whistle blows and the stadium begins to empty, their work continues. These are the behind-the-scenes personnel essential to the organization of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, a tournament featuring 16 U-15 and U-18 girls' teams from across Indonesia, held at the Supersoccer Arena Kudus from July 5–12, 2026.

Although largely unseen from the spectator benches, a complex process involving many stakeholders powers every match, from preparing player gear and maintaining athletic performance to providing team support and ensuring that tournament schedules are strictly met.

One such individual is Winarto.

As the kitman for Putri JP Jakarta U-18, Winarto's day begins while most people are still asleep. In football, a kitman is responsible for organizing and maintaining all equipment for players and coaching staff during training sessions and matches. His duties include preparing uniforms, footwear, and socks in the locker room, ensuring training gear like cones and ladders are ready, and managing logistics such as drinking water, towels, and various personal items. While the role rarely captures the headlines, it is vital to the seamless operation of team activities.

For Winarto, the day begins at 3:00 a.m. Along with three colleagues, he is already in the kitchen and equipment room, working to address the team's needs before the players have even woken up.

"Our daily grind starts very early. We prepare breakfast, oversee the travel arrangements, and handle all preparations right up until the match," Winarto said while attending to his duties on Tuesday, July 7, 2026.

His work extends beyond equipment management; Winarto also monitors the nutritional requirements of the players to ensure they remain physically fit throughout the tournament.

In addition to handling laundry, training vests, and match gear, he must also be familiar with each player's personal habits. Not every athlete has the same dietary preferences, yet maintaining their energy levels is essential for their performance on the field.

“The challenge is definitely waking up early to prepare fruits and other essential nutrition so the athletes remain in peak condition to play,” she added with a smile. “Field dynamics also vary, and sometimes the players aren't interested in the current menu. When that happens, we must be prompt in preparing special alternatives to ensure they continue eating and maintain their energy.”

While Winarto ensures equipment and logistical needs are met, Ayu Kurniawati focuses on maintaining the players' physical condition. As a sports therapist for the JP Jakarta U-18 women's team, she and Annisa Rahmawati support the athletes throughout the tournament. “We live together, so we are with them every day, starting treatments at 7 a.m. to support the players,” Ayu explained.

The intensive match schedule makes recovery a vital component of each competition day. Staff frequently manage muscle pain, bruising, and minor injuries to help players stay ready for subsequent matches.

“The biggest challenge here is the sheer number of athletes; in any given few minutes, someone on the field may need assistance. We work quite hard, especially since the tension of the matches is very high,” said Ayu.

Despite the workload, Ayu remains inspired by the players' dedication.

“Honestly, these girls are incredible and possess an immense fighting spirit. There was a moment that moved me when they were not in the best physical condition but still pushed themselves to play. That level of ambition deserves appreciation. For me, the presence of recovery teams like sports therapists is crucial to keeping their dreams alive on the field.”

Participants' journey in Kudus is also supported by Liaison Officers (LOs). Cindi Rantika Harlan, one of the LOs, acts as the primary contact between teams and organizers, ensuring all operational requirements are met. “As LOs, our hours stretch from morning to night. We handle everything from preparing departures from their lodging to ensuring their return,” Cindi said.

For her, assisting young athletes involves more than just managing schedules. She must also maintain open communication and support the players' well-being throughout the tournament.

“The main challenge is that, as a liaison officer, I essentially act as a caregiver for these team members. We have to be adept at managing our own moods to ensure we can help keep theirs positive as well,” she said.

Despite a grueling schedule that runs from morning until night, Cindi says she enjoys every part of the experience.

“I don’t find any part of it exhausting. We just enjoy it and keep things fun. The bond formed with the athletes makes every moment memorable and touching. This job is vital because we act as the primary bridge between external parties and those on the field.”

According to Cindi, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 provides a platform for young athletes to hone their skills and further their careers in women's soccer. “This tournament is very special to me. It is a golden opportunity for young female athletes to prove themselves and rise as the next generation of Indonesian women's soccer players.”

The tournament’s success also depends on the coordination provided by match officials. This responsibility rests with General Coordinator Rohmansyah Setiawan.

Since before the tournament began, he and his team have been responsible for drafting match schedules, conducting technical meetings, and holding Match Coordination Meetings (MCM) with all team managers. From dawn to dusk, coordination remains continuous during matches.

“During the competition, we manage every aspect of the match from start to finish. This covers referee assignments and other operational details, including monitoring team activities from their time in the locker room to their performance on the field. Because the tournament runs from morning to evening, we account for every second with strict precision,” Rohmansyah emphasized.

He views his work with enthusiasm, rooted in his deep passion for the sport.

“I don’t feel there are any major hurdles. As operators, we genuinely enjoy our duties. Our priority is ensuring the comfort of the participating teams and meeting their needs efficiently. Since most of us come from a background of playing soccer, we carry out these tasks with pleasure.”

Since 2023, Rohmansyah has supported the development of women's football, witnessing the athletes' progress over time.

“There have been many memorable moments. Seeing athletes who initially couldn't play at all reach the point where they can strike the ball with excellent technique is rewarding. Some have even earned national team call-ups. Our hard work has paid off. We are proud to see these players reach their current level,” he said.

Ultimately, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 represents more than just match results and on-field competition. The tournament highlights how a successful event relies on the collaboration of many individuals working behind the scenes.

Every smooth match is the result of tireless efforts from dawn until night. This includes kit managers ensuring logistics are ready, sports therapists assisting with player recovery, liaison officers coordinating team activities, and match operators maintaining the event schedule.

Supported by the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 contributes to the development of young female footballers at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus. Behind every match lies the dedication of those helping young athletes advance to the next level. (JMY/HNR/DN/mainkekudus)