KUDUS — For the young athletes participating in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, the journey to Kudus represents more than just a change of scenery. They arrive carrying high hopes, ambitious goals, and the responsibility of representing their respective teams. Before the spotlight turns to the pitch, however, these athletes have been familiarizing themselves with the city that will serve as their home throughout the tournament.
For Safira Khoirun Nisa, a U-15 player for Tangsel FC, her first impression of Kudus was formed well before she stepped onto the field. During a break in her preparations, she took time to visit the Kudus town square, where she discovered a city atmosphere quite different from her expectations.
Clean streets, well-maintained surroundings, and an abundance of local street food were among the first things to leave an impression. "Kudus is a beautiful, clean city, and there are many snacks to try," she remarked.
Her experience was made even more memorable by her father's presence throughout the tournament. For Safira, the support of family provides both encouragement and a smoother transition to the new environment. "It’s easier because my father is here," she said with a smile.
Safira’s story reflects the experiences of many young athletes traveling from across Indonesia. While their primary objective is competition, they are also navigating new surroundings and building a sense of comfort in an unfamiliar city before the tournament begins.
A similar sentiment is shared by Yuri Maheswari Wijaya, a U-18 athlete for Samba Persada. Her first visit to the city known for its cigarette industry left a lasting impression. Beyond the high-quality stadium, she was particularly struck by the hospitality of the local residents.
"This is my first time in Kudus. It is a nice, clean city, and the stadium is excellent," she explained.
The welcoming atmosphere has helped Yuri settle in quickly. Now that she is accustomed to her surroundings, her focus has shifted entirely to the team’s goals. "We are now fully focused on helping our team win the championship," said the admirer of Lionel Messi.
Jakarta U-18 Girls captain Rengganis Wijanarto also took the opportunity to explore Kudus. Amid the packed tournament schedule, she and her teammates visited the Menara Kudus and PB Djarum facilities. For her, participating in a national competition is not just about the matches, but also about discovering a city she had never visited before.
“We managed to walk around to Menara Kudus and PB Djarum yesterday,” she said on Sunday (7/5/2026).
The adjustment process was not limited to the players. Behind every practice session, coaching staff worked to ensure that preparations remained on track so that athletes could perform at their best from the opening match.
Tangsel FC U-15 coach Muhamad Heru noted that adaptability is a key asset for his team. He observed that the weather in Kudus is similar to South Tangerang, allowing for a relatively smooth transition.
“On our first day in Kudus, we focused on acclimatizing to local conditions. Since the weather here is not much different from South Tangerang, I believe we can adapt,” he explained.
This adaptation phase continued at the Supersoccer Arena. A day before the tournament began, all participants held their official training sessions. For many athletes, this session served as more than just a chance to handle the ball or test the pitch; it was an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the venue that will host their competition over the coming days.
HYDROPLUS Soccer League Program Manager Rijki Kurniawan confirmed that all teams were granted equal access to the facility to finalize their preparations.
“One day before the matchday, we provided all teams with the opportunity to practice. They have been preparing for weeks, so the official training is a moment to get comfortable with the field and ensure everything is fully prepared,” he stated.
The HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 brings together the 16 top teams in the U-15 and U-18 categories, comprising the champions and runners-up from the Greater Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, and East Java regional qualifiers. From July 5 to 12, 2026, these young athletes will compete in a series of matches at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus. Between competitions, participants will also have the opportunity to explore the host city, experiencing its atmosphere, engaging with the local community, and enjoying the various cultural encounters available during their stay in Kudus.
Ultimately, this tournament serves as more than just a test of on-field skill. Living away from their families and hometowns, the athletes will also learn to adapt to a new environment, foster camaraderie with their teammates, and enjoy unique experiences that transcend typical competitive play.
When the tournament concludes, the athletes will take home more than just scores and standings. They will carry memories of a city defined by its clean streets, friendly residents, supportive athletic facilities, and a welcoming environment throughout their participation in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026.
All matches of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 can be viewed live via the HYDROPLUS Soccer League YouTube and TikTok channels.
(ITN/JMY/DN/BRO/mainkekudus)