The final of the MilkLife Soccer Challenge (MLSC) Kudus Series 1 2025–2026, held at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus, Central Java, on Sunday (Aug 3), proved both thrilling and tense. SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara asserted its dominance by securing a fifth consecutive U-12 title after a 3-2 victory over SDN Jambean 02 Pati. Meanwhile, SD 3 Bulungcangkring emerged as a new champion, pulling off an upset against SD Muhammadiyah Birrul Walidain, the two-time defending champion from MLSC Kudus Series 2 2024 and MLSC Kudus 2025.
The U-12 final between SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara and SDN Jambean 02 Pati was played with high intensity from the opening whistle. As defending champions, SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara controlled the tempo, with twins Rara Zenita Fatin and Rere Zenita Farza anchoring the attack against a resilient SDN Jambean 02 Pati defense.
Disciplined defending from SDN Jambean 02 Pati kept scoring opportunities scarce in the first half. The deadlock was broken in the 7th minute when Rere converted a low shot following a well-executed sequence with Rara, giving her side a 1-0 lead.
SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara maintained their pressure in the second half, with Rara adding two more goals. Although SDN Jambean 02 Pati responded with two goals from set pieces by standout player Hafiza Khairan Lubna Lista, SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara held on for a 3-2 victory to clinch their fifth consecutive MilkLife Soccer Challenge title.
Rara, the hero of SDUT Bumi Kartini Jepara’s victory, expressed pride in leading her school back to the top of the podium. She also finished as the top scorer with 43 goals. “Our opponents played very well, especially defensively, but our teamwork and patience allowed us to score and eventually win. I am very happy to help the team win the MilkLife Soccer Challenge for the fifth time. I hope to achieve even more to make my parents proud,” said Rara.
A fierce contest also unfolded in the U-10 final between SD 3 Bulungcangkring and SD Muhammadiyah Birrul Walidain. SD 3 Bulungcangkring striker Lutfia Indriana Putri opened the scoring, capitalizing on a scramble in front of the net. Despite both teams playing aggressively after the goal, the 1-0 lead held until halftime.
Trailing, SD Muhammadiyah Birrul Walidain pressed for an equalizer in the second half. Instead, they conceded a second goal to SD 3 Bulungcangkring captain Putri Lestari, who struck from long range. Refusing to fold, SD Muhammadiyah Birrul Walidain earned a penalty, which Keisha Athira Imawan converted. However, SD 3 Bulungcangkring successfully defended their 2-1 lead until the final whistle.
“I didn't expect to score so many goals and decide the final. I was nervous because our opponents were skilled and favored to win. I want to dedicate this victory to my friends, teachers, and especially my parents,” said Putri, who was also named the U-10 top scorer with 54 goals.
Kudus Regent Sam’ani Intakoris welcomed the return of the MilkLife Soccer Challenge. With 1,370 students participating from 92 elementary schools (SD) and Islamic elementary schools (MI) in Kudus and the surrounding areas, he noted that enthusiasm for the tournament—organized by the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation and MilkLife—remains high. He hopes the event will cultivate professional women’s footballers from the region.
“I hope the girls of Kudus can become national players and eventually compete at the international level. We fully support this initiative and will continue to coordinate with the Department of Education and Sports to encourage students to exercise regularly. Sports build physical strength and support brain and motor development, which we hope will create a golden generation,” said Sam’ani.
MilkLife Soccer Challenge Kudus Head Coach Yayat Hidayat assessed that the quality of Kudus' young female players has improved significantly and consistently across both the U-10 and U-12 age groups. Monitoring throughout the tournament, held from July 29 to August 3, revealed several new participants who caught the attention of the talent scouting team. He and his staff have identified 50 players from the U-10 category and 20 from the U-12 category to participate in MilkLife Soccer Extra Training, which will be held consistently three times a week.
“The participants in the MLSC Kudus Series 1 2025–2026 showed a marked improvement in quality and depth. This is a positive development as it reveals many new, potential talents emerging in Kudus. We will train them regularly at the Supersoccer Arena, and from this group, we will select players to represent the Kudus squad for the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026,” he stated enthusiastically.
Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation Program Director Yoppy Rosimin said that Kudus remains a fertile breeding ground for young female football talent. He encouraged athletes to further hone their skills and commit more deeply to the sport by joining local football academies (SSB). Beyond the MLSC, there are higher-level tournaments, such as the HYDROPLUS Soccer League U-14, which has been held annually since 2023, as well as the HYDROPLUS Pertiwi Cup for the U-14 and U-16 categories.
“We hope the enthusiasm of these future female footballers does not end here but continues to grow by joining local clubs and regularly participating in tiered tournaments to gauge their development. Eventually, they can become members of the national women's team and represent Indonesia on the international stage. We invite all young female football stars in the 10 cities hosting the MLSC to participate and help advance women's football in our country,” Yoppy said.
During the MLSC Kudus Series 1 2025–2026, three football academies (SSB) were on-site to accept registrations: SSB Arema Malang (Semarang branch), Sultan Kudus United (SKU), and SSB Lysandra Demak.
source: milklifesoccer.com