Kudus – In a modest homestay in the Rendeng area of Kudus, the tournament atmosphere does not end when the whistle blows. After competing on the field, young female soccer players return to their accommodation to share stories, wash clothes together, tidy their rooms, and unwind before preparing for their next match. For them, the lodging has become a safe and comfortable space, much like a home away from home.
This warmth serves as an untold story behind the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026. Amid the competition held at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus, the local community has played a vital role in creating a supportive environment for the young athletes, not only through accommodation facilities but also through the hospitality and care they provide daily.
The HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 features 16 teams in the U-15 and U-18 categories from across Indonesia. The tournament runs from July 5 to July 12, 2026, at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus. As of Wednesday (July 8, 2026), teams remain engaged in group-stage matches that demand significant physical and mental effort. During the busy schedule, rest periods are crucial for maintaining the players' physical and mental conditioning.
For Nazwa Bilbina Putri, a Garut U-18 player from Sumedang who is also part of the Garuda Pertiwi Muda squad (Indonesia's U-16/U-17 national women's team), the atmosphere in Kudus has made a lasting impression.
She noted that the local hospitality and the comfort of the accommodation have facilitated a more peaceful recovery after matches. "The people here are very friendly, and the rest we get here is very comfortable," Nazwa said during a break on Wednesday (July 8, 2026).
During her time in Kudus, Nazwa has formed a close connection with the homestay staff. The warm welcome they received from the first day has made her and her teammates feel truly at home.
According to Nazwa, this care is evident in small gestures. She recalled an instance when the water pressure in the lodging dropped, and after informing the owner, the issue was addressed immediately without delay.
Beyond training and match schedules, the players fill their daily lives with simple activities that strengthen their bond. After coaching briefings, they wash their clothes together, clean their rooms, and keep the lodging environment tidy throughout the tournament.
“Certainly, if I have the chance to return to Kudus, the warmth and comfort here are what I would most look forward to. The people are incredibly kind. If I had to rate this homestay, I would give it an 8 out of 10,” said Nazwa.
A similar sentiment is shared by Putri Garut U-18 goalkeeper Alwiwie Sunanto. For her, the sense of family fostered by the community and the inn's owner provided extra encouragement during the demanding competition schedule.
Alwiwie noted that the relationship built while in Kudus went beyond that of guest and host. She felt the entire team was treated like family. “We were welcomed very warmly by the local community. The homestay is comfortable and the owners are extremely friendly. The warmth from the residents is truly palpable. They even treated us like their own children, making us feel right at home,” she said.
That attentiveness was even more evident when players suffered minor injuries or felt unwell after matches. According to Alwiwie, the homestay owner would immediately check on them, inquire about their condition, and offer assistance when needed. “When someone was injured, they were immediately asked what was wrong and what medicine they needed. And if there were issues like power or water outages, they fixed them very quickly,” she added.
The entire squad experienced this hospitality while staying at Aldimart Homestay, located at Jalan Cendana No. 594, Rendeng, Kudus City District. It is here that Susi Susilawati manages the homestay, prioritizing guest comfort, including that of athletes competing throughout the tournament.
Located at Jalan Cendana No. 594, Rendeng, Kudus City District, Aldimart Homestay offers relatively affordable rates. Prices per night typically range from Rp150,000 to Rp300,000, depending on the room type, facilities, and booking platform. Guests also receive standard amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, free WiFi, and private parking.
For Susi, comfort is essential for athletes who expend energy on the field daily. Therefore, she also provides an open space next to the homestay building for the team to use for warm-ups or light training before heading to the Supersoccer Arena Kudus.
This attentiveness stems from her personal background. Susi is a member of Persit—the Indonesian Army wives' association—as her husband is a military officer. She was also previously active as a volleyball and tennis athlete, giving her an understanding of what it is like to be far from home while competing in tournaments.
“Seeing these children reminds me of my own past. I was once sent away for 20 days to compete in a tournament in Medan. The only difference is that we stayed in military barracks back then, whereas now there are much more comfortable homestays available. Having experienced what they are going through—staying in a stranger's home to compete—I fully support them. I even go to the stadium to cheer them on because I am so invested in their success,” Susi explained.
Hosting athletes is not new for her. During the 2025 Martial Arts PON held at the GOR Djarum Arena Kaliputu, Aldimart Homestay accommodated a martial arts contingent from Serang, Banten, for five days. After the tournament, the athletes returned home with gold and silver medals, even joking that the comfort of the homestay had brought them good luck.
Amid the busy schedule of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, Susi also strives to create a relaxed environment for the players. She provides karaoke facilities to allow the athletes a space to unwind after training sessions and matches.
According to Susi, players often arrive asking, “Auntie, can we use the karaoke?” This simple request has become part of the bond that develops during their stay. She makes an effort to get to know each player individually, memorizing their names and engaging in conversation to foster a warmer, more familiar atmosphere.
Currently, Aldimart Homestay has five rooms capable of accommodating groups of up to 25 athletes. Despite the limited capacity, Susi has plans to expand the facility in the future.
“God willing, I plan to build more rooms right here in the future. My hope is that when they leave, they will remember this not just as a typical lodging, but as their own home in Kudus. That way, if there is another tournament, they will not hesitate to return,” she said.
The stories emerging from the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 illustrate that a tournament involves more than just competition on the field. Behind every match, there are simple spaces where athletes recover, share experiences, and build connections with the local community.
The presence of a national-scale sporting event also impacts the accommodation sector near the match venues. Hotels, homestays, rental properties, food stalls, and transport providers all benefit from the increased activity during the tournament.
Through the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, supported by the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation, sporting activities have extended beyond the stadium, creating positive impacts for the surrounding community. Furthermore, the hospitality of Kudus residents has become part of the lasting impression athletes take home from their competition in the city. (JMY/DN/mainkekudus)