HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 Athletes Praise the Warmth and Hospitality of Kudus

KUDUS — For the young athletes arriving for the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026, the journey to Kudus is more than just a change of location. They arrive carrying hopes, objectives, and the responsibility of representing their respective teams. However, before turning their full attention to the matches, they first became acquainted with the city that will serve as their temporary home during the tournament.

For Safira Khoirun Nisa, a U-15 player for Tangsel FC, her first impression of Kudus began well before she stepped onto the pitch. During her time off from preparation, she took a walk to the Kudus Town Square. Through that simple experience, Safira encountered a city atmosphere that differed from her initial expectations.

The clean streets, orderly environment, and abundance of easily accessible snacks were the first things that left a mark in her memory. "Kudus is a lovely, clean city with plenty of street food," she said.

What made the experience even more memorable was the presence of her father, who accompanied her during the tournament. For Safira, family support served as both motivation and a factor that made adapting to a new city much easier. "Because my father is here," she said with a smile.

Safira's experience represents a glimpse into the journey of young athletes arriving from across Indonesia. While they are present to compete, they are simultaneously learning to adjust to a new environment, exploring a previously unfamiliar city, and fostering a sense of comfort before the competition begins.

Yuri Maheswari Wijaya, a U-18 athlete for Samba Persada, shared similar sentiments. Her first visit to the 'City of Kretek' left a positive impression. Beyond the representative stadium facilities, the hospitality of the local community was what stood out most to her.

"This is my first time in Kudus. It is a nice, clean city, and the stadium is excellent," she explained.

The welcoming atmosphere helped Yuri settle in more comfortably as the tournament progressed. After getting familiar with her surroundings, her focus is now firmly on the goals she wishes to achieve with her team. "Now we want to focus on leading our team to victory," said the young player, who counts Lionel Messi among her inspirations.

Jakarta Girls U-18 captain, Rengganis Wijanarto, took the opportunity to explore Kudus. Despite a demanding tournament schedule, she and her teammates visited the Menara Kudus and PB Djarum. For her, participating in a national competition is about more than just playing; it is also a chance to discover a city she had never visited before.

“Yesterday we had the chance to walk around Menara Kudus and PB Djarum,” she said on Sunday (7/5/2026). 

The adjustment process was not just for the players. Behind every training session, the coaching staff continuously ensured all preparations were on schedule so that the athletes could perform at their peak from the opening match.

Tangsel FC U-15 coach Muhamad Heru noted that adaptability is a critical asset for his team. He mentioned that the weather in Kudus is similar to South Tangerang, allowing the team to adjust relatively quickly.

“On our first day in Kudus, we focused on local conditions. The weather in South Tangerang and Kudus is not much different, so I believe we can adapt,” he explained.

This adaptation continued at the Supersoccer Arena. A day before the competition, all participants were given the chance to undergo official training. For many athletes, this session provided more than just a chance to touch the ball or test the pitch; it allowed them to familiarize themselves with the stadium that will witness their efforts in the coming days.

HYDROPLUS Soccer League Program Manager Rijki Kurniawan stated that every team was given equal opportunity to utilize the session as a final preparation stage.

“One day before the matchday, we provide every team with the opportunity to practice. They have been preparing for several weeks, so the official training acts as a moment to get accustomed to the field and ensure that all preparations are fully complete,” he said.

The HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 brings together the top 16 teams in the U-15 and U-18 categories, featuring champions and runners-up from the Greater Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, and East Java regions. From July 5 to July 12, 2026, these young athletes competed at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus. Between matches, they had the opportunity to explore their host city, gaining insights into its atmosphere, its people, and the shared experiences encountered during their stay.

Ultimately, this tournament served as more than just a test of on-field skill. Far from their homes and families, the athletes learned to adapt to new environments, foster team camaraderie, and enjoy unique experiences not typically found in standard competitions.

As the tournament concludes, the players depart with more than just final scores and standings. They carry memories of a city defined by its clean streets, friendly residents, quality sports facilities, and a welcoming atmosphere throughout 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)