Kudus – For a week, the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus was filled with matches, cheering crowds, and hundreds of athletes and their entourages arriving from across the region. Now that the tournament has concluded, trophies have been taken home, participants have returned to their respective cities, and the arena has returned to its quiet state. Yet for Kudus, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 leaves a legacy felt through the economic activity and personal connections forged during the event.
Held from July 5–12, 2026, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 offered more than just youth soccer competition. The influx of athletes, coaches, officials, and family members stimulated various supporting sectors, ranging from hotels and homestays to local small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) surrounding the venue.
Sixteen U-15 and U-18 teams from various regions competed at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus for one week. The arrival of participants and their support staff created an economic ripple effect felt by numerous businesses. Hotels, homestays, culinary centers, transportation services, and MSMEs all became part of the active ecosystem generated by the tournament.
Kudus Regent Sam'ani Intakoris noted that hosting the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 provided direct benefits to the community. He emphasized that the increased activity was visible not only in the bustling area around the arena but also across various service sectors catering to visitors.
“The impact goes beyond full hotels; homestays, team entourages, MSMEs, and even vendors selling local Kudus specialties have all felt the benefits. This boosts regional income. We thank the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars for repeatedly trusting Kudus as a host,” he said on Sunday (July 12).
He expressed hope that the collaboration between local government and the private sector would continue to strengthen, allowing more national-scale sporting events to be held in Kudus. The local government, he added, remains committed to streamlining permit processes, ensuring security, and supporting business owners to deliver the best service to every guest.
“What matters is that we can create a multiplier effect from football. We want sports tourism to continue to develop and act as a driver for the community economy,” he said.
One such example was seen at Denisa Homestay in Loram Kulon Village, Jati District. Throughout the tournament, the lodging served as a temporary home for athletes competing in Kudus.
For Denisa Homestay manager Sri Sugiyanti, the most memorable takeaway was not just the increased occupancy rate, but the bonds formed with the young guests who stayed for several days.
According to Sugianti, the athletes were polite, outgoing, and always willing to help staff. Their warmth left a lasting impression even after the group returned to their hometowns.
"What I remember most is how friendly they were; they were willing to chat and even helped me out. The place felt empty after they left. I hope they succeed and come back to stay here again someday," she said.
The story illustrates that lodging serves as more than just a place to rest during a competition. During their brief stay, bonds formed that left a meaningful impact on both the staff and the guests.
Local Businesses Benefit from Arena Activity
The tournament's high turnout also boosted local businesses around the Supersoccer Arena. Throughout the event, the area saw a steady influx of athletes, coaches, officials, families, and spectators.
Culinary vendor Riadlhotul Jannah reported a 70 percent increase in sales compared to the previous week. Her local unsweetened orange juice became a top choice for athletes and fans looking for refreshment after the matches.
However, for Jannah, the most memorable aspect was the simple interactions with the athletes.
"The thing that stuck with me most is that the athletes would often help promote our goods to their friends. They were kind and friendly. We hope an event like this happens every year," she said.
Nearby, Debby, who sells "oppa coins" and trending beverages, shared a similar experience. During the tournament, she served customers from various cities, each with unique accents and customs. The brief conversations during these transactions created lasting memories.
“The most memorable part was seeing teams from various regions with different languages coming to buy our goods. It was truly exciting. If it happens again next year, we will definitely participate because events like this are a great help to MSMEs,” she said.
For local MSMEs, the tournament crowds do not just bring additional customers; they also foster interaction between local residents and visitors from across the region through daily, simple exchanges.
During the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, the athletes' journey extended well beyond the field. During gaps in the competition, some participants, along with their families and staff, took time to explore various destinations in Kudus. This experience ensured their visit was not merely about matches, but also provided opportunities to enjoy local tourism, culinary specialties, and regional products.
Religious tourism sites like the Menara Kudus were among the most popular destinations. Additionally, many participants made time to enjoy the local culinary scene and purchase souvenirs before returning home. These activities extended the engagement between visitors and various local economic sectors, including food vendors, gift shops, and tourist attractions.
For many athletes' families, their time in Kudus was an opportunity to sample the wide array of local delicacies found throughout the city. After the matches concluded, many groups made sure to purchase Kudus jenang as a souvenir to take home. The tradition of buying gifts is both a part of the travel experience and a boost for local businesses serving visitors throughout the tournament.
The movement of participants, staff, families, and spectators demonstrated that sporting competitions stimulate more than just arena activity. Their presence also invigorated support sectors, ranging from accommodations and dining to gift shops and tourist attractions across Kudus. This impact highlights how sports can function in tandem with tourism and the local economy.
Now, the Supersoccer Arena has returned to its normal operations. The stands are no longer filled with cheering crowds, and the athletes have returned to their respective journeys.
Despite this, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 left a lasting impact. Hotels and homestays served as temporary homes for participants, local businesses saw an increase in customers, and various tourist attractions and souvenir shops in Kudus became popular destinations for athletes, officials, and their families outside of match schedules. The arrival of hundreds of visitors from various regions not only stimulated the local economy but was also met with the hospitality of the Kudus community, which became a memorable part of their stay in the city.
For the athletes, Kudus served as a waypoint in their pursuit of footballing dreams. For the local community, the tournament became a space where sports, the economy, and interpersonal relationships intersected through daily experiences.
Ultimately, it is not just the list of champions or match results that remain. There are stories born from every visitor, every conversation, and every smile shared during the week-long HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026. These are the stories that endure, even after the final whistle. (JMY/FZ/ITN/DN/mainkekudus)