SDUT Bumi Kartini Retains Title as SD 3 Bulucangkring Crowned New Champion

The final matches of the MilkLife Soccer Challenge (MLSC) Kudus Series 1 2025–2026, held at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus, Central Java, on Sunday (Aug. 3), were intense and thrilling. SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara asserted its dominance by securing its fifth consecutive U-12 title after defeating SDN Jambean 02 Pati 3-2 in the final. Meanwhile, SD 3 Bulungcangkring emerged as a new champion, delivering an upset victory over two-time winners SD Muhammadiyah Birrul Walidain, the champions of MLSC Kudus Series 2 2024 and MLSC Kudus 2025.

The U-12 championship match between SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara and SDN Jambean 02 Pati was played at a high intensity from the opening whistle. As the defending champion, SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara controlled the pace throughout the match. Twin sisters Rara Zenita Fatin and Rere Zenita Farza proved to be a formidable threat to the SDN Jambean 02 Pati defense.

However, disciplined play from the SDN Jambean 02 Pati backline kept the first half close. The only goal came in the 7th minute when Rere finished a slick combination play from her sister Rara to give her side a 1-0 lead.

Holding a lead after the first 15 minutes did not stop SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara from pushing forward. They added two more goals in the second half, both scored by Rara. SDN Jambean 02 Pati managed to score two goals in response through set-pieces converted by their standout player, Hafiza Khairan Lubna Lista. Holding onto the 3-2 scoreline until the final whistle, SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara clinched their fifth consecutive MilkLife Soccer Challenge title.

Rara, the hero of the victory for SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara, expressed her gratitude for leading her school back to the top of the podium at the MilkLife Soccer Challenge Kudus Series 1 2025–2026. Beyond the win, she successfully secured the title of top scorer with 43 goals. "In my opinion, our opponent played very well, especially in defense, but thanks to our compactness and patience, we were finally able to seal the win. I am very happy to help the team become the MilkLife Soccer Challenge champion for the fifth time. I hope I can continue to achieve more accolades that make my parents proud," said Rara.

Meanwhile, a fierce battle took place in the U-10 final between SD 3 Bulungcangkring and SD Muhammadiyah Birrul Walidain. SD 3 Bulungcangkring striker Lutfia Indriana Putri opened the scoring by capitalizing on a scramble in front of the SD Muhammadiyah Birrul Walidain goal. Although both teams increased their attacking aggression following the goal, the 1-0 lead for SD 3 Bulungcangkring held until halftime.

Trailing, SD Muhammadiyah Birrul Walidain attempted to rally for an equalizer in the second half. Instead of leveling the score, they conceded again, falling behind 0-2 following a long-range strike from SD 3 Bulungcangkring captain Putri Lestari. Refusing to surrender, SD Muhammadiyah Birrul Walidain eventually scored off a penalty kick converted by Keisha Athira Imawan. Nonetheless, SD 3 Bulungcangkring successfully fended off any further challenge to secure a 2-1 victory.

"I didn't expect to score this many goals and decide the outcome of the final match. I was nervous because the opponent played well and was considered the favorite to win. I want to dedicate this victory to all my friends, teachers, and especially my parents," said Putri, who also ended the tournament as the U-10 top scorer with 54 goals.

Quality of Female Footballers in Kudus Increasingly Competitive and Consistent

Kudus Regent Sam’ani Intakoris welcomed the return of the MilkLife Soccer Challenge. With 1,370 students participating from 92 elementary schools and Islamic primary schools in Kudus and the surrounding areas, he noted that enthusiasm for the tournament, initiated by the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation and MilkLife, remains very high. He expressed hope that professional female footballers will eventually emerge from Kudus and the surrounding regions.

"Hopefully the daughters of Kudus can become national players and compete at the international level. We certainly support this activity and continue to coordinate with the Department of Education and Sports to encourage students to exercise regularly. Sports make children stronger physically, stimulate brain development, and improve motor skills, which we hope will create a golden generation," said Sam’ani.

MilkLife Soccer Challenge Kudus Head Coach Yayat Hidayat noted improvements in the quality of Kudus’ young female players across both the U-10 and U-12 age groups. Monitoring from the tournament held July 29 to August 3 also revealed numerous new participants who captured the attention of talent scouts. Hidayat and his team have shortlisted 50 players from the U-10 category and 20 from the U-12 category for the MilkLife Soccer Extra Training, which will be held three times a week.

“The quality of participants in the MLSC Kudus Series 1 2025–2026 has improved and shows greater consistency. This is promising, as it proves there is a wealth of emerging potential in Kudus. We will train them regularly at the Supersoccer Arena, with selected players eventually representing Kudus in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026,” he said enthusiastically.

Djarum Foundation Program Director for Sports, Yoppy Rosimin, stated that Kudus remains a vital talent pool for early-stage women's football. He encouraged the athletes to further hone their skills and commit to the sport by joining local football academies (SSB). Beyond the MLSC, he noted there are higher-level tournaments, such as the HYDROPLUS Soccer League U-14, held annually from 2023 to 2025, and the HYDROPLUS Pertiwi Cup for U-14 and U-16.

“We hope the enthusiasm of these future female players continues beyond this point. They must stay motivated by joining academies and participating in regular, tiered tournaments to gauge their abilities. Our goal is for them to eventually join the national team and represent Indonesia internationally. We invite all young female football talents in the 10 cities hosting the MLSC to participate and help advance women's football in the country,” said Rosimin.

During the MLSC Kudus Series 1 2025–2026, three football academies—SSB Arema Malang Semarang Branch, Sultan Kudus United (SKU), and SSB Lysandra Demak—opened on-site registration for participants.

_{source: milklifesoccer.com}