Kudus – At the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus, the competitive spirit extends beyond the pitch. As the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 entered its group phase on Wednesday (July 8), the venue buzzed with music, dance, and cheers emanating from a stage dedicated to student creativity.
The youth girls' soccer tournament for U-15 and U-18 categories features 16 teams from various regions, bringing a unique atmosphere to the arena. Held alongside the matches, a Band and Modern Dance competition running from July 7–11, 2026, provides students a platform to showcase their artistic talents. The coexistence of the soccer field and the performance stage has created a vibrant experience for athletes, performers, and spectators alike.
Amid the referee whistles and coaches' instructions, the grounds of Supersoccer Arena Kudus have been transformed into a colorful hub. Student bands take turns on stage, followed by energetic modern dance performances, with spectators moving between the stands and the performance area to enjoy both events simultaneously.
This integration of sports and arts allows those attending the soccer matches to enjoy performances by young musicians and dancers, while festival participants get to experience the competitive sports atmosphere.
Among those enjoying the experience is Grisalda Jeth Jan’ma Gayatri, lead vocalist of the band J Calo Nada from SMAN 1 Kudus. For her, performing on the stage was a memorable debut experience.
Together with her bandmates, Grisalda performed the song Tendangan dari Langit by Kotak and the traditional folk song Yamko Rambe Yamko. Following extensive rehearsals, she was pleased that the team's performance went according to plan.
For Grisalda, the opportunity to perform is about more than just chasing trophies or individual awards. She views the stage as a learning environment that brings together diverse student talent.
“School band extracurricular activities are no longer just for academic credit; they have become a genuine platform for learning and self-improvement by observing our peers,” she said.
She also commended the organizers for creating a platform for female athletes while providing young musicians an opportunity to showcase their talents to the public.
A similar sentiment was shared by Samuela Janice Korlyanne of the Dazzling Dance Crew from SMP Masehi Kudus. Despite some initial nervousness performing before a large crowd, she and her team remained committed to delivering their best performance.
For the dance group, participating for the second time in the competition as part of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 serves as a venue to continuously develop their skills and build confidence. "I am genuinely happy because this event allows us to develop our talents. It is not just about performing, but also about honing our skills to reach a higher level," Janice said.
She hopes such initiatives will continue, as they provide students with a space to showcase and cultivate their potential.
The excitement at the Supersoccer Arena Kudus was also felt by visitors, including Reyhana Najwa Mutia Rabbani, who noted her enjoyment of the event's atmosphere.
According to Reyhana, the open layout of the Supersoccer Arena Kudus allowed attendees to watch matches while enjoying the various artistic performances taking place simultaneously. This experience made her visit more fulfilling. "It is very exciting because we can also see the inside of the Supersoccer Arena. It is interesting to see which schools are participating, and their performances have been truly impressive," she said.
She also praised the event hosts for their ability to maintain the crowd's energy throughout the proceedings. Reyhana expressed hope that music and dance festivals will continue to be a staple of future sports tournaments.
A similar view was expressed by Bagas Arga Santosa, a music festival judge, who noted that the competition provides a meaningful platform for nurturing the interests and talents of students, particularly in Kudus and the surrounding areas.
Bagas noted that hosting music and dance festivals alongside football tournaments provides a platform for young talent to gain exposure.
“I strongly support this; through this football competition, we can identify emerging talents who can be further refined into skilled performers,” Bagas explained.
He added that the high enthusiasm from participants across various regions, including Semarang and Pati, demonstrates that such activities bring together students from diverse backgrounds in a shared space. He emphasized that the continuity of such events is vital for the ongoing development of young athletes and artists.
The HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 has ultimately evolved into more than just a football tournament. While athletes compete to demonstrate their skills on the field, the arts stage provides a venue for students to express their creativity through music and dance.
The combination of the two offered an experience that resonated not only with the participants but also with the spectators packing the Supersoccer Arena Kudus. In this environment, sportsmanship and creativity thrived side by side, demonstrating that opportunities for the younger generation can be nurtured through various avenues, whether on the pitch or the performance stage. (JMY/mainkekudus)