Kudus – Cheers erupted from the stands at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus. On the green pitch, players maneuvered across the field, orchestrating attacks, defending, and pressing forward. Every pass, tackle, and goal drew continuous applause. Since kicking off on July 5, 2026, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 has showcased competition among 16 girls' teams in the U-15 and U-18 categories from various regions, providing a stage for Indonesia’s rising female football talent.
However, the matches represent only one part of their journey. When the final whistle blows, spectators leave with memories of the victory, defeat, or spectacular goals. Meanwhile, the players begin another, much longer chapter—one that is neither broadcast nor cheered, and never appears on match statistics sheets.
This struggle takes place far from the field. At their lodging, the daily routine begins anew. They tidy their rooms, wash their own gear, manage their sleep schedules, focus on physical recovery, and prepare for the next practice or match. At such a young age, they are learning both self-reliance and personal responsibility.
Occasionally, homesickness sets in. At those moments, their phones become their most vital lifeline. A video call from parents can wash away the fatigue accumulated after a match. A brief chat, a smile from home, or simply hearing the voices of loved ones often provides the motivation needed before the next day begins.
Such routines have become part of the life of Racheyla Delpiula, a player for the Tangsel City U-18 girls' team. For her, a match does not end when the final whistle blows. There is a recovery process that must be followed with discipline to ensure the body is ready for the next challenge. "After a match, the first thing I do is take an ice bath, shower, and then eat," Racheyla said when met at the Hotel Air Mancur Kudus, where the Tangsel City U-18 girls' team (South Tangerang) is staying.
She admits that the most taxing part is not the matches themselves, but the physical training undergone continuously. Beyond the 70 minutes on the pitch, there are hours of training that demand energy, discipline, and perseverance.
For Racheyla, maintaining diet and sleep patterns is an equally significant challenge. "Sleep must also be managed. We have to prepare ourselves with adequate training, sufficient sleep, and proper rest," she said.
It is not just the body that is tested, but also the ability to regulate emotions. Amid fatigue, match pressure, and a dense schedule, maintaining a positive team atmosphere is a vital part of an athlete's journey.
For her, there is a reality often overlooked by many. "Not all the struggle happens on the pitch, as we have to face the challenges of training, test matches, and everything else beyond that."
Rebecca Margaretha shares the same sentiment as Racheyla. Her teammate views the recovery process not merely as physical restoration, but as a way to maintain the camaraderie built throughout the tournament.
The shared ice baths serve as a simple space for mutual support. Amidst physical fatigue, they continue to encourage one another to ensure they perform at their peak in the next match.
Throughout this journey, family support remains an irreplaceable source of strength. "My parents encourage me over the phone. When we win, they remind us to stay grateful; if we lose, they tell us to bounce back even stronger," Rebecca said.
Outside of scheduled practice, Rebecca maintains her physical condition by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into her diet, a habit she considers vital for staying in prime shape during the tournament.
The journey of these young athletes is also defined by the continuous guidance of their coach. Tangsel City women’s team coach, Sahroni Bonte, observes that many spectators see the match without understanding the arduous process players endure to reach the national level. "The long road from regionals to the national stage, and the intensity of every training session, are rarely seen by the audience," Coach Sahroni said.
According to him, the biggest challenge is not just honing technical skills, but building mental toughness. He consistently reminds his players that the goal is not merely to win. "The most important value is to maintain the reputation of the team, yourself, and your family. We must not let our image from South Tangerang be tarnished while we are away," he emphasized.
For Coach Sahroni, while match outcomes are significant, the experience gained throughout the training and competitive process provides a valuable foundation for the players' future.
The story of the Tangsel City U-18 (South Tangerang) players offers a glimpse into the life of young athletes participating in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026. Behind the matches enjoyed by the crowd lies a demanding daily routine: training, recovering, managing lifestyle, regulating emotions, learning independence, and overcoming homesickness.
All of these elements shape a journey rarely seen from the grandstands. While a goal is scored on the pitch, the process behind it begins long before—forged through rigorous training, unwavering discipline, and the steadfast support of those closest to the athletes.
The HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 provides a platform for young athletes to elevate that commitment to a new level. The tournament not only showcases top-tier teams but also highlights how discipline, character, and resilience evolve with every step they take, both in the spotlight on the field and through their quiet dedication behind the scenes. (JMY/ITN/mainkekudus)