HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 Boosts Kudus Economy

Kudus – For a week, the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus was filled with matches, cheering crowds, and hundreds of athletes accompanied by their support staff from various regions. Now that the tournament has concluded, trophies have been claimed by the champions, participants have returned home, and the arena has returned to its quiet state. However, for Kudus, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 leaves behind a lasting legacy of economic activity and human connection fostered throughout the event.

Held from July 5–12, 2026, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 offered more than just youth soccer matches. The influx of athletes, coaches, officials, and family members stimulated various supporting industries, ranging from hotels and homestays to local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) surrounding the venue.

Sports Tourism Drives Local Economy

Sixteen U-15 and U-18 teams from across the country competed at the Supersoccer Arena throughout the week. The arrival of participants and their entourages generated significant activity for local businesses. Hotels, homestays, culinary centers, transportation services, and MSMEs all thrived as part of the tournament's ecosystem.

Kudus Regent, Sam’ani Intakoris, noted that the hosting of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 provided immediate benefits to the local community. According to him, the surge in activity was reflected not only in the bustling atmosphere around the arena but also across various businesses serving the needs of the visitors.

“The impact extends beyond full hotels to include homestays, team staff, MSMEs, and vendors selling local Kudus specialties—everyone has felt the benefits. This boosts regional income. We thank the organizers of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars for repeatedly trusting Kudus as a host,” he said on Sunday (July 12).

He hopes that collaboration between the local government and the private sector will continue to strengthen, enabling Kudus to host more national-scale sporting events. The local government, he added, is committed to providing streamlined permitting, security support, and guidance to business owners to ensure they provide excellent service to every guest.

“The most important thing is that we are capable of creating a multiplier effect through soccer. We want sports tourism to continue growing and serving as a driver for the local economy,” he stated.

Homestays Become Temporary Homes for Athletes

This impact was experienced firsthand by Denisa Homestay in Loram Kulon Village, Jati District. Throughout the tournament, the establishment served as a temporary home for athletes visiting Kudus to compete.

For Denisa Homestay manager Sri Sugiyanti, the most memorable aspect was not only the increased occupancy rate but also the connections built with the young guests who stayed for several days.

According to her, the athletes showed polite and approachable attitudes, and were always willing to help while interacting with the homestay staff. Their warmth left a lasting impression even after the entire group returned to their hometowns.

"What I remember most is how kind the children were; they enjoyed chatting and even helped me out. It felt quiet once they left. I hope they achieve success and return to stay here again one day," she said.

These stories illustrate that lodging serves more than just as a place to rest during competition. Through several days of shared experience, connections are formed that leave a positive impact on both the hosts and the guests.

Local Businesses Benefit from Tournament Activity

The excitement of the tournament was also felt by small business owners (UMKM) around the Supersoccer Arena. Throughout the matches, the area was bustling with athletes, coaches, officials, families, and spectators passing through.

Culinary stall attendant Riadlhotul Jannah reported that her sales increased by about 70 percent compared to the previous week. Unsweetened local orange juice emerged as one of the most popular refreshments for athletes and spectators after activities at the match venue.

However, for her, the most memorable experiences came from simple interactions with the athletes.

"What stood out was how the athletes would often help promote our goods to their friends. They were kind and friendly. We hope events like this are held every year," she said.

Nearby, Debby, who sells oppa coin snacks and viral beverages, experienced the same. During the tournament, she served customers from various cities, each with different dialects and customs. The brief conversations while serving customers provided memories she says she will not easily forget.

"The most memorable part was seeing teams from various regions speaking different languages coming to buy our goods. It was truly exciting. If it is held again next year, we will certainly participate because an event like this greatly assists local SMEs," she said.

For local business owners, the crowds drawn by the tournament not only provided a boost in sales but also facilitated daily interactions between local residents and visitors from across the country.

Tourism and Souvenirs

Throughout the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, the athletes' journey extended well beyond the field. During gaps in the competition schedule, participants, their families, and staff took time to visit various landmarks in Kudus. These experiences turned their visit into more than just a series of matches, allowing them to enjoy local tourism, culinary delights, and regional specialties.

Religious tourism sites, such as the Menara Kudus, were among the most popular destinations. Additionally, many participants took the time to explore the local culinary scene and shop for gifts before returning home. These activities deepened the visitors' engagement with various local economic sectors, ranging from food vendors to souvenir shops and tourist attractions.

For many athletes' families, the stay in Kudus was an opportunity to sample the local cuisine. After matches concluded, groups frequently purchased *jenang Kudus* as gifts to bring home. This tradition of gift-giving added to the travel experience while providing significant benefits to local businesses supporting the influx of visitors during the tournament.

The movement of participants, officials, families, and spectators demonstrated that sports competitions have an impact far beyond the playing field. Their presence helped stimulate supporting sectors, including accommodation, food and beverage, souvenir retail, and tourism across Kudus. This effect underlines how sports can successfully align with tourism and the local economy.

Stories Remaining in Kudus

Now, the Supersoccer Arena has returned to its regular routine. The stands are no longer filled with cheering spectators, and the athletes have returned to their respective hometowns.

Nevertheless, the impact of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 remains evident. Hotels and homestays served as temporary homes for participants, local businesses saw increased foot traffic, and Kudus' tourist attractions and souvenir shops were frequented by athletes, officials, and their families during off-competition hours. The arrival of hundreds of visitors not only stimulated the local economy but was also met with the hospitality of the Kudus community, which became a key part of their experience in the city. 

For the athletes, Kudus served as a waypoint in their pursuit of professional football ambitions. For the local community, the tournament functioned as a hub where sports, commerce, and human connection intersected through daily experiences. 

Ultimately, the legacy of the event extends beyond tournament standings and match results. It encompasses the stories formed through each arrival, every conversation held, and the camaraderie shared throughout the week-long HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026. These narratives continue to resonate long after the final whistle. (JMY/FZ/ITN/DN/mainkekudus)