Parents Close Noodle Shop to Realize Daughter’s Dream of Playing Professional Soccer

Kudus – Applause and cheers filled the stands at Supersoccer Arena in Kudus on Saturday (6/27/2026). On the field, players from the MilkLife Soccer Challenge (MLSC) All Stars competed for a spot in the final round. Beyond the tackles, passes, and saves, however, lies a deeper narrative: the sacrifices families make—giving up time, energy, and even their livelihoods—to help their children pursue their dreams.

One such story highlights the Jakarta All Stars supporters' section, where Marno fervently cheered for his daughter, Siti Hawa Faadiyah, the team's reliable left-back who played with immense spirit throughout the match. His voice was among the loudest in the stands.

For Marno, the journey to Kudus was more than just a trip between cities; it was a significant personal decision. The noodle shop owner from Depok chose to close his business for four days to witness his daughter compete in person.

He believes the opportunity to watch Hawa play is far more valuable than standard business operations, viewing parental support as a vital component of a child's pursuit of their dreams.

“I have been here since Thursday. I shut down my noodle shop for four days. My priority right now is purely to support my child so she can perform at her best on the field,” Marno said with a glimmer in his eyes.

The journey was not made alone, as Marno brought his extended family to Kudus. Hawa’s grandmother and uncle were in the stands to offer their direct support. Their presence brought a sense of warmth to the intensity of the semifinal round, highlighting how an aspiring athlete's journey often reflects a collective family commitment.

For Marno, the positive changes in Hawa since she took up soccer are more meaningful than any match result. He noted that the fifth-grade student at Mampang 1 Elementary has developed greater self-discipline and a more structured daily routine.

He observed that Hawa’s sleeping habits have become more consistent, while her time spent on gadgets has decreased significantly, replaced by training and necessary rest.

"I see this platform as excellent. From talent scouting all the way to this national level, it is fantastic for the children. Since focusing on soccer, my daughter has become more disciplined, adheres to a bedtime, and her screen time has dropped sharply. There have been so many positive changes," he added.

Such growth has reinforced Marno’s commitment to his daughter’s passion. He remains optimistic about the future of women’s soccer in Indonesia, noting that it is moving in a clear direction. He believes that the ongoing development programs by the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation offer hope that talented youth now have a clearer pathway to succeed.

Meanwhile, 11-year-old Hawa deeply values having her family in the stands. As the youngest player on the Jakarta All Stars squad, she acknowledges that her parents' support serves as a source of encouragement every time she steps onto the field.

Following her team’s advancement to the final, Hawa said she can still clearly hear her father’s voice cheering for her throughout the match.

“I could hear my father cheering the loudest from the pitch. It feels wonderful to have my parents here. Before every match, I always ask for their prayers and blessing for a smooth game and a victory,” Hawa said proudly.

For Hawa, the long journey her family took to Kudus is an immeasurable act of love. Consequently, she dedicated her semifinal victory to them as a token of appreciation for their unwavering support and sacrifice.

Despite securing a spot in the final, Hawa remains focused on the task ahead. She is committed to continuous learning, working hard, and delivering her best performance alongside her teammates.

“My hope is to give my absolute best. I want to keep training hard and improve my performance so that we can win the final. Thank you for all the support,” she concluded with optimism.

The story of Marno and Hawa demonstrates that an athlete's journey is rarely a solitary one. Behind every match is a family fighting in their own way—putting daily routines on hold, enduring long travel, and sacrificing their time to offer encouragement from the stands.

Such support is vital to growing Indonesia's women's football ecosystem. When development, competition opportunities, and family support align, every small step on the pitch not only yields achievement but also fosters character, discipline, and new hope for the next generation of female players. (JMY/DN/mainkekudus)