Independence Futsal League Sharpens Student Competition Skills at GOR Bung Karno Kudus

KUDUS – The Bung Karno Sports Hall (GOR) in Kudus is serving as the venue for the 2026 Independence Futsal League (IFL). The competition features boys' and girls' teams from junior high (SMP/MTs) and senior high schools (SMA/MA/SMK) across Kudus Regency.

Since the tournament began, the arena has been filled with the sound of whistles, coaching instructions, and enthusiastic cheers from students supporting their respective schools. Players executed their strategies while supporters cheered from the stands and sidelines.

For the participants, the IFL provides an opportunity to test their skills in official matches. The competition also allows players to apply their training, build team synergy, and gain experience in handling high-pressure situations on the court.

Maintaining Focus

Muhammad Fariz Maulana, a player from MTs Qudsiyyah, has been playing futsal since 2023. During that time, he has competed in more than seven tournaments, including a competition in Batam.

Despite his experience, Fariz remains enthusiastic about participating in the IFL, noting that every tournament presents unique challenges and a different atmosphere.

"It is amazing, and I am very happy to take part in this competition," Fariz said.

Before competing at the Bung Karno Sports Hall, Fariz and his teammates trained two to three times a week. The team's preparation focused not only on basic techniques, strategy, and fitness, but also on mental readiness.

Fariz emphasized that mental fortitude is crucial in futsal. Players must remain calm under pressure, make split-second decisions, and perform while being watched by a crowd.

"If you only rely on skill without the right mentality, you will get nervous on the court," he said.

According to Fariz, tournament experience has helped him better understand the flow of matches. While individual skill is necessary, players must also learn to read the game, communicate with teammates, and maintain focus until the final whistle.

MTs Qudsiyyah secured a win in their match that day. Fariz expressed pride in representing his school and delivering a positive result for the team.

"I am proud to represent Qudsiyyah and win today's match," he added.

Bustling Arena

The presence of supporters significantly added to the excitement of the match. From the sidelines, students showed their support through chants, songs, and applause for their respective school teams.

Muhammad Al Fatih Zaidan was among the students who attended to support SMP 3 Kudus. He arrived with five friends, while dozens of other students were also seen backing the team, known as Spega.

"We are here to support Spega so they win," he said.

For Fatih, watching his schoolmates compete in person provided a unique experience. He could observe the team's performance up close while actively participating in the atmosphere throughout the match.

This marked his first experience as a supporter in a competition like the IFL. He attended not due to a mandatory school requirement, but out of his own desire to cheer on the team.

"It is very exciting," he said.

According to Fatih, futsal is engaging because it brings many students together in a single activity. Beyond watching the games, students can gather with friends and demonstrate support for their school.

For Fatih, futsal is compelling because it gathers students in a common setting. The matches serve as an opportunity to connect with peers, provide encouragement, and watch the game in real-time.

The Drumming Squad

Kanaya explained that Paspen members typically receive match schedule information through a dedicated group. Once the schedule is confirmed, they coordinate to gather and attend the match together. The involvement of alumni also bolsters their ranks.

“It is very exciting and fun, as it gives us a chance to support our peers,” said one Paspen member.

At the Bung Karno Sports Hall, Paspen's presence was marked by chants and rhythmic drumming. They followed the match closely from the start, reacting to every scoring opportunity and goal created by the SMP 1 Kudus team.

The match concluded with a 3-0 victory for SMP 1 Kudus, a result cheered enthusiastically by the supporters on the sidelines.

For Paspen, supporting the team goes beyond just waiting for the final score; they view it as an opportunity to show up for their fellow students representing the school on the field.

They also shared words of encouragement for the players.

“Awesome. Keep up the spirit,” one member added.

The Importance of Competitive Experience

From the team's perspective, the coaching staff closely monitors the flow of the match. Player responses to instructions, errors, and the ability to maintain the game’s tempo serve as key evaluation metrics throughout the tournament.

MTs Qudsiyyah coach Nor Ahlis stated that his team had been eagerly anticipating the IFL 2026. Preparations included twice-weekly training sessions, with many players having gained tournament experience since their first year of middle school.

According to Nor, building a habit of competing is vital for the development of student-athletes. Official matches expose players to situations and challenges they cannot replicate during routine training.

“It is incredibly helpful. Tournaments like this sharpen their interest and prove that their training is worthwhile,” he said.

He explained that competition allows players to test their training in a real-world setting. On the court, they are challenged to cooperate, follow instructions, withstand pressure, and maintain focus until the final whistle.

For the coach, while match results matter, the experience gained throughout the tournament is a fundamental part of the development process. Facing opponents from other schools allows players to identify the specific areas of their game that require improvement.

Futsal as a Venue for Student Engagement

The IFL demonstrates that student-level futsal matches involve more than just two competing teams. The events feature players putting their school training into practice, coaches overseeing development, faculty advisors, and students attending as supporters.

Each stakeholder plays a role in cultivating a competitive atmosphere. Players compete on the court, coaches provide tactical guidance, and supporters rally behind their respective school teams.

For Fariz, the IFL provides valuable match experience and an opportunity to strengthen his mental resolve as a player. For Fatih, the tournament marks his first experience as a supporter, while for Paspen, the SMP 1 Kudus match was part of their ongoing efforts to back their school team.

The Bung Karno Sports Hall serves as more than just a competition venue; it is a hub where students from various schools meet to play, assist their teams, or watch matches in person.

After the matches conclude, players and supporters leave the sports hall with their own unique takeaways. While some teams celebrate victory, others depart with areas for improvement, and students head home having fulfilled their roles as supporters.

The 2026 IFL serves as a platform for Kudus students to compete, gain tournament experience, and strengthen inter-school athletic activities. (OEB/YSR/FZ/mainkekudus)