Parents Travel Hundreds of Kilometers to Support Children in Competition at the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026
KUDUS – For many parents, the journey to the SuperSoccer Arena (SSA) in Kudus is about more than just watching a football match. They have traveled hundreds to thousands of kilometers to support their children pursuing their dreams at the MilkLife Soccer Challenge (MLSC) All Stars 2026. Their presence provides not only morale for the players in the stands but also a tangible boost to the local economy throughout the tournament.
As the second matchday of the group stage commenced on Wednesday (June 24, 2026), the SSA stands began to fill with parents, families, and supporters from across Indonesia. They came to offer direct support to the players representing the 12 All Stars teams, selected from विभिन्न cities through the MilkLife Soccer Challenge.
Cheers echoed through the stands throughout the matches. Beyond the excitement, each family arrives with a story of sacrifice, dedicating time, energy, and resources to support their children competing in this youth girls' football development tournament.
Among them is Nina Novita from Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. Accompanied by her husband and family, she traveled to Kudus to support her daughter, Adelia Safira, who is participating in the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026.
Their journey began on Monday (June 22, 2026). Nina chose to travel by ship to ensure she could watch her daughter compete in person.
"I arrived on the 22nd by boat to support my child. There are many activities here that support the children," she said.
Nina noted that the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars offers the players more than just match experience; the event also hosts various activities that make families feel welcome during their stay in Kudus.
"I hope that Indonesian women's football will continue to advance through youth development programs like this," she added.
A sense of pride is also shared by Eni Suharnani, mother of Ainun Fitriani, the goalkeeper for All Stars Surabaya. Together with Ainun's grandmother, siblings, and other family members, she traveled to Kudus to provide her direct support.
"We are certainly happy and proud. We have been here since Tuesday with her grandmother, sibling, and younger sister. Opportunities like this do not come twice, so we wanted to provide our full support," she said.
According to Eni, Ainun's journey to the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026 involved a long process. Since childhood, Ainun has been actively involved in various sports before finally focusing on soccer through the MilkLife Soccer Challenge.
"If a child has potential, it must be supported. We were willing to travel all the way from Surabaya to Kudus to accompany her. Our hope is that talented children can continue to develop and eventually reach a higher level, perhaps even representing the Indonesian national team," she noted.
After the match concluded, most families did not leave the stadium immediately. The food court became a gathering point while waiting for the next match. Various micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) tenants selling food and drinks were swarmed by visitors, creating a warm atmosphere amidst the dense competition schedule.
Dian Himawati, a visitor from Banyumanik, Semarang, said that exploring the local cuisine has become part of the experience of supporting her daughter, who is part of the Semarang All Stars team.
"After watching the children play, we go looking for food. I bought french fries and sausages to 'recharge.' In my opinion, the hot fried snacks here are excellent, while the children are big fans of the french fries and meatballs," said Dian.
According to Dian, the presence of MSME tenants along with facilities such as seating and umbrellas makes families feel more comfortable spending time in the stadium area.
“The area is comfortable; having seats and umbrellas makes the wait for the next scheduled match enjoyable,” she added.
A similar experience was shared by Anti, a visitor from Semarang. She believes the concept of integrating sports matches with a culinary area offers convenience for families supporting the athletes.
“It is truly impressive. We can relax while dining, and it provides significant support to local MSMEs. It also keeps children entertained, as they have access to various other facilities beyond just food,” she noted.
According to Anti, the availability of a playground and activity areas allows the entire family to enjoy their time together while at the SSA.
"My whole family came along. While my older child is on the field, the younger one can enjoy the playground and the various games available. This allows parents to supervise their children in peace while relaxing," she added.
The high turnout has also benefited local small business owners. Siti, owner of the "Howjek" stall, reported a significant boost in sales during the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026.
"Sales today have been extraordinary. Fried snacks are the most sought-after items—they sell out as soon as they are cooked. Rice sets with various side dishes are also selling fast," said Siti.
Customer traffic peaked during match breaks, forcing her to restock supplies she had brought in the morning.
"This morning I brought 60 portions, and I had to get more. Compared to a normal day, events like this can boost revenue two to threefold. Thank God," she concluded.
The MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026, held from June 23–28, 2026, served as more than just a stage for 12 All-Stars teams to showcase their skills. The arrival of families from various regions created a vibrant atmosphere at the stadium while providing a significant economic boost to local businesses serving the needs of visitors.
The growing number of spectators in the stands reflects strong family support for the development of women's football. Meanwhile, the activity of families in food court areas and other support facilities has stimulated the local economy surrounding the stadium. Consequently, the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 provides benefits that extend beyond the young athletes to families, small and medium enterprises, and the wider community involved throughout the tournament. (JMY/mainkekudus)
