KUDUS – The final whistle at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus on Sunday (10/18/2026) concluded the MilkLife Soccer Challenge (MLSC) Kudus Series 1 2026–2027 final with a 5-4 scoreline. While players from SD Unggulan Muslimat NU Kudus celebrated their victory, players from SDN Karangsono 2 Mranggen, Demak Regency, faced a narrow defeat in the U-12 age group final.
Amid the post-match scene, 11-year-old Himmatul Aliya of SD Unggulan Muslimat NU Kudus approached the disappointed opposing players, offering a hug and comfort. For her mother, Nora Ari Rahmawati, the gesture was more memorable than her daughter's victory.
The final brought together two teams that had navigated a rigorous tournament schedule since October 13, 2026. Aliya and her teammates secured the U-12 title, while Syafaatun Medina Wijayana and her side settled for the runner-up spot.
The contrasting outcomes elicited different emotions, but beyond the result lay the children's resilience in the face of pressure, the steadfast support of their families, and valuable lessons in sportsmanship.
For Aliya, who began playing soccer in the second grade, reaching the final was an unexpected milestone. She admitted to initially doubting the team's prospects, but their confidence grew steadily throughout the competition until they reached the championship match.
“I am so happy we won. It was truly unexpected,” said Aliya.
The journey to the title was backed by two months of preparation. Coach Ahmad Yusuf of SD Unggulan Muslimat NU Kudus implemented specific extracurricular training and programs for the MLSC, focusing on building player confidence, particularly when facing stronger opponents.
After previously reaching the round of 16 and quarterfinals, the team's progression to the title signifies their improved competitive edge, according to Yusuf.
“The most significant lesson has been fostering the children's self-confidence. Their development has been rapid. Beyond the win, this experience has taught them perseverance and strengthened their mentality,” Yusuf said.
Noting that his roster consisted of third-graders, Yusuf emphasized that their success was driven by maintaining focus and teamwork throughout the tournament.
For the coach, the achievement is not merely about the trophy; it is about the experience of handling pressure and trusting teammates, which are vital parts of the developmental process.
Meanwhile, in the U-10 final, SDN Jambean 02 Pati claimed the title with a 5-4 victory over MI NU Baitul Mukminin, marking another one-goal margin in the tournament finals.
For the U-12 runner-up, Syafaatun Medina Wijayana, the tournament proved to be a bittersweet experience. The 11-year-old from SDN Karangsono 2 Mranggen faced a narrow defeat after her team fought their way to the final.
“I am very sad because I couldn't give my best to win first place. I hope to win next year,” she said.
While the result fell short of expectations for Medina and her teammates, the journey to the final offered them the chance to compete against other schools, manage pressure, and build new friendships.
The team’s effort began long before the match. The group from Mranggen departed at approximately 5:00 a.m. and arrived in Kudus between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m., a challenging morning commute that became part of the preparation shared by players, families, and staff.
SDN Karangsono 2 Mranggen coach Lukman Hakim acknowledged his players' disappointment, noting that this was the team’s third appearance in the final without securing the title.
Recurring runner-up finishes present a unique challenge, and Lukman is working to ensure his players aren't held back by previous results. He is encouraging them to rebuild their confidence through consistent training and setting new goals.
“The team has worked incredibly hard. The children endure a long journey with limited rest, yet they remain highly spirited,” he said.
For Lukman, reaching three consecutive finals demonstrates his team’s competitiveness. The focus now shifts to addressing weaknesses, increasing training discipline, and helping players manage pressure during critical match phases.
Despite the loss, Medina remains undeterred, keeping her sights set on a championship title in the next opportunity.
A player's journey on the field is inseparable from parental support. Parents attend training sessions, prepare match necessities, manage travel schedules, and help their children process competition outcomes.
For Nora, Aliya’s victory was indeed joyful, but she was deeply moved when she saw her daughter embrace a disappointed opponent.
"It was touching to see my daughter hug her opponent and comfort her. I always tell Himmatul to maintain respect for her opponents," Nora said.
Nora strives to teach her daughter that winning is no reason to feel superior to others, while losing should not diminish a child’s drive to improve.
She supports Aliya’s interest in soccer while also guiding her activities off the field. According to Nora, since taking up the sport, Aliya has become more disciplined and active, and she helps manage her daughter’s time to reduce screen dependency.
A similar experience is shared by Leani Suprana, mother of Medina. Her daughter’s interest in soccer began in the fourth grade when the school introduced an extracurricular program. From there, Medina started competing and became increasingly motivated to train.
For Leani, the defeat in the final did not dampen her pride in her daughter’s efforts.
"Even though my daughter lost in the final, I am still proud. It just wasn't her time this time," she said.
Preparing for the trip to Kudus required the family to leave between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. Throughout the journey and the match, parental support remained a vital part of Medina's pursuit of achievement.
For both families, the match result is not the sole measure of success. Victory must be accompanied by humility, while defeat requires space to process disappointment and the courage to try again.
Aliya’s embrace after the final serves as a simple example of that attitude. While competition persists during the match, respect for opponents remains essential after the final whistle blows.
In addition to the U-10 and U-12 matches, the MLSC Kudus Series 1 2026–2027 program featured the SenengSoccer Festival for U-8 players on October 17, 2026. The event drew 250 participants from 40 elementary schools across Kudus, Pati, and Jepara.
Unlike competitive matches, the festival focused on introducing fundamental soccer skills to young girls through various activities. Participants practiced zig-zag drills, dribbling, passing, shooting, and throw-ins.
This format allows children to gradually familiarize themselves with basic soccer movements and skills before transitioning to higher-level competition.
The MLSC Kudus Series 1 2026–2027 attracted a total of 1,672 athletes from 100 elementary and Islamic elementary schools. This represents an increase from the previous 2025–2026 series, which saw 1,391 participants.
The competition was held from October 13–18, 2026, at the Supersoccer Arena and Rendeng Field, with 80 teams competing in both the U-10 and U-12 categories.
MilkLife Soccer Challenge Kudus Head Coach Yayat Hidayat stated that the rising participation serves as a vital foundation for developing girls' soccer. The competition provides an opportunity to evaluate players' performance, including teamwork, decision-making, and composure under pressure.
Some participants are aiming for further development opportunities, including the MLSC All-Stars. Talent scouting results from the tournament will be used to identify players with the potential to advance to future programs.
For Aliya, the MLSC Kudus Series 1 2026–2027 ended with a championship title and an experience that highlighted the importance of empathy toward opponents. For Medina, while the final was a disappointment, it provided the drive to return and compete again next year.
Both returned home with different experiences after competing on the same stage. On the pitch, they strove to control the ball, collaborate, and withstand pressure. Off the field, they learned that the final score is not the only takeaway.
Aliya’s embrace and Medina’s hope for a future title highlight two sides of a young athlete’s journey. One celebrates victory while remaining respectful of the opponent, while the other navigates defeat while maintaining a drive for growth.
Their journey continues through training and upcoming competitive opportunities. At an age where skills are still being honed, the courage to compete, the willingness to improve, and a sense of sportsmanship have become essential parts of their development through the sport. (ITN/mainkekudus)
