Kudus – The roar of the crowd echoes through the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus every time the ball approaches the net. Amid the intensity of the match, a group of players remains focused on the pitch. Their eyes track every movement of the ball, while they stay ready should the coach call upon them.
These are the substitutes—a role often overlooked, yet vital to a team’s journey.
At the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 held from July 5 to 12, 2026, 16 girls' soccer teams in the U-15 and U-18 categories are competing with spirit. Beyond the competition on the pitch, there are compelling stories of patience, readiness, and learning to accept decisions for the good of the team.
For Tasya Putri of Goal Aksis U-15 from Cimahi, West Java, sitting on the bench is a test of character. While she naturally wants to play, she understands that soccer is guided by the coach’s strategic plans.
"Honestly, there was sadness at first when I realized I wouldn't be playing. I wondered, 'Why aren't I being put in?' But I realized this is for the team's needs. The coach has a strategy, and my job is to support my teammates fighting on the field," she said on Wednesday (July 8, 2026).
Disappointment has not stopped Tasya from providing support. From the sidelines, she constantly cheers on her teammates when the team loses momentum. Simple chants like, "Come on, keep going!" are her way of staying involved in the team's effort.
That patience eventually paid off with an opportunity. When finally sent onto the field, Tasya scored for her team. "It felt great; I didn't expect to contribute directly," she added.
Nur Eka Oktavia, Tasya's teammate at Goal Aksis U-15 Cimahi, shares a similar view. To her, wait time is learning time. From the bench, she studies the game to prepare for her moment. "I keep observing the match. I prepare myself so I am ready whenever I am called as a substitute," Eka said.
Eka admitted to feeling disappointed at not being able to showcase her best performance to the coach or the team. However, she chose to channel that frustration into motivation to continue growing throughout her participation in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026.
"I gained valuable lessons from the coach and my teammates. When I finally stepped onto the pitch and scored, the joy and excitement were indescribable. It turns out that waiting does not mean standing still; waiting is about preparing for the best so that when the opportunity arrives, we are ready," she said.
For Zahra Naqiyyah, head coach of Goal Aksis U-15, reserve players hold as much value as those in the starting lineup. She believes a team's strength is defined not just by the eleven players on the field, but by every squad member's readiness to contribute when called upon.
"Reserve players are just as important as starters. There is no such thing as an unimportant player. In fact, through our reserves, we can create opportunities that our opponents may not anticipate," Zahra emphasized.
She explained that youth athletic development focuses not only on technical skills but also on character building. Patience, discipline, and the ability to embrace the process are core values consistently instilled in the players.
At age 15, Zahra emphasizes that the physical and mental development of young athletes must be managed to prevent them from pushing too hard prematurely. Consequently, decisions regarding player lineups are strictly based on individual readiness and team requirements.
"We teach the players to be focused and consistent. Football is a team sport, not an individual one. We always stress that whoever takes the field is chosen because they are the most prepared for the team's goals. For us, patience is a vital part of development so they can achieve success at the right time later," she explained.
Zahra also encourages parents to remain supportive throughout their children's journey. She believes that an athlete's progress is not measured solely by playing time, but by their willingness to learn, grow, and persevere through every stage of development.
In the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, the bench serves as a learning space just as significant as the pitch. It is here that players learn to manage disappointment, maintain focus, support their teammates, and prepare for when their opportunity eventually arrives.
The experiences of Tasya, Eka, and their teammates demonstrate that contributions to the team do not always begin at the opening whistle. There is a lengthy process marked by patience, preparation, and a commitment to delivering one's best, regardless of the role.
Through this competition, young athletes not only gain match experience but also the opportunity to forge their character as team players. These values are central to the development process throughout the tournament, as each player learns that opportunities favor those who remain prepared. (JMY/FZmainkekudus).