Waiting for an Opportunity, Keeping Hope Alive: Stories from the Bench of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026
Kudus – The roar of spectators repeatedly filled the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus whenever the ball approached the goal. Amid the intensity of the match, a group of players kept their eyes locked on the pitch. They tracked every movement of the ball while remaining ready at a moment's notice should the coach call upon them.
They are the substitutes—an often overlooked role that serves as a vital component of a team's journey.
At the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, held from July 5 to 12, 2026, 16 girls' U-15 and U-18 teams competed with fervor. Behind the competitive spirit on the field lay compelling narratives of patience, preparedness, and the process of accepting coaching decisions for the greater good of the team.
For Tasya Putri, a Goal Aksis U-15 player from Cimahi, West Java, being a substitute was an emotionally challenging experience. While the desire to play was strong, she acknowledged that football is always governed by the strategies devised by the coach.
“Honestly, I felt sad at first when I didn't get a chance to play. I kept wondering, ‘Why am I not being played?’. But I realized it was for the good of the team. The coach has strategic considerations, and my job is to support my teammates fighting on the field,” she said on Wednesday (8/7/2026).
Her disappointment did not stop Tasya from providing support. On the sidelines, she consistently cheered for her teammates whenever the squad lost momentum, using simple shouts like, “Let's go, get back up!” to stay engaged with the collective effort.
That patience eventually paid off. When she was finally handed the opportunity to enter the pitch, Tasya scored for her team. “I was so happy; I didn't expect to contribute directly,” she added.
A similar experience was felt by Nur Eka Oktavia, Tasya's teammate at Goal Aksis U-15. For her, time spent waiting is not time wasted; instead, she used her time on the bench to analyze the game and stay ready for a potential substitution. “I keep observing the match. I prepare myself to be ready whenever I am called as a substitute,” Eka said.
Eka admitted to feeling disappointed at times, having not yet been able to demonstrate her full potential to the coaches and the team. However, she chose to channel that frustration into motivation to continue improving throughout her time in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026.
“I have gained a lot of knowledge from the coach and my teammates. When I finally stepped onto the field and scored, the joy and excitement were indescribable. I realized that waiting doesn't mean standing still; it is about preparing for the best so that when the opportunity arises, we are ready,” she said.
For Zahra Naqiyyah, head coach of Goal Aksis U-15 in Cimahi, West Java, reserve players are just as vital as the starters. She believes that a team’s strength is defined not only by the eleven on the pitch but by the entire roster, who must remain ready whenever called upon.
“Reserves are just as important as the starters. There is no such thing as an unimportant player. In fact, through our substitutes, we can create opportunities that our opponents may not anticipate,” Zahra emphasized.
She explained that youth athletic development focuses not only on technical playing skills but also on character building. Patience, discipline, and the ability to embrace the process are values she continuously instills in her players.
According to Zahra, the physical and mental development of 15-year-old athletes must be managed to ensure they do not push themselves prematurely just for the sake of play time. Consequently, decisions regarding team selection are based strictly on player readiness and team needs.
“We teach the children focus and consistency. Soccer is a team sport, not an individual one. We always emphasize that whoever takes the field is the most prepared for the team's goals. For us, patience is an essential part of development to ensure they achieve success at the right age,” she explained.
Zahra also urged parents to continue supporting their children throughout the process. She believes that a young athlete's journey is not measured solely by minutes played, but by the willingness to keep learning, developing, and persevering through every stage of training.
In the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, the bench serves as a learning space just as vital as the pitch. It is here that players learn to manage disappointment, maintain focus, support teammates, and prepare for when their opportunity arises.
The journey of Tasya, Eka, and their teammates demonstrates that contributions to the team do not always begin with the opening whistle. It is a long process marked by patience, readiness, and a commitment to delivering one's best, regardless of the role played.
Through this competition, young players gain not only match experience but also the chance to forge their character as part of a team. These values are central to the development process throughout the tournament, as each player learns that opportunities favor those who remain prepared. (JMY/FZmainkekudus).