Before the Lights Were Turned Off, They Wrote Prayers for Their Parents
KUDUS – Evenings at the Mountain View Residence (MVR) in Bae District quiet down as guest activity fades. While many head to bed, the players of the Putri JP U-18 Jakarta regional team engage in an unseen routine far from the pitch.
It is neither extra physical training nor a tactical meeting ahead of a match. Every night at 8:00 PM, they gather to write short messages to their parents at home. These simple notes, expressing a request for prayer and blessings, conclude their day before team officials collect their smartphones and the players retire for the night.
This practice is part of the character-building curriculum implemented by Putri JP U-18 Jakarta coach Hery Susilo during the team's participation in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026 in Kudus.
After writing them, each player photographs their handwritten notes and sends them to their parents. Only then are the phones collected to allow for a scheduled night's rest.
For Hery, the rule is more than just screen-time management. Through this simple routine, he intends to instill respect for parents and personal discipline, while reminding players that their efforts on the field are bolstered by the support of their families.
“They are allowed to use their phones, but there is a time limit. At 8:00 PM, everyone must gather. Before handing in their phones, they must send a message to their parents, asking for their blessings for tomorrow's match. It is part of their character education,” Hery said at MVR Bae, Kudus, on Tuesday (July 7, 2026).
He believes that an athlete's character is forged not only through technical training or strategic preparation, but through small, consistent habits that form the foundation of responsibility, both in daily life and on the field.
“Discipline is born from small habits. It starts with managing time, respecting others, and being bold enough to admit one's own mistakes, such as a bad pass during a match,” he explained.
The players have felt the impact of Hery's guidance firsthand. Rengganis Wijanarto, captain of the Putri JP U-18 Jakarta team, says sending messages home each night is no longer a chore, but rather a moment she now looks forward to.
“Every day at eight o'clock, we write letters to send to our mom and dad. Our coach insists on discipline, so no phones are allowed after that, and we must all be in bed by 9 p.m.,” said Rengganis.
While away from home, Hery has also provided a sense of comfort for the players. To Rengganis, the coach does not just guide them on the pitch, but also supports their daily lives like a father figure.
“We already consider the coach our own father,” she said.
The values instilled within the team extend beyond discipline. Compassion for others has also become an integral part of the Putri JP U-18 Jakarta journey during the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars 2025/2026.
Sharing Happiness Amidst a Growth Journey
On the sidelines of the competition, the team fulfilled a vow they made after advancing from the regional rounds. They provided donations to dozens of orphans in Kudus Regency at the Mountain View Residence (MVR) in Bae, Kudus, on Tuesday (July 7).
The funds were sourced from a portion of the prize money the team received after qualifying from the Greater Jakarta regional rounds to the national stage of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League.
Hery explained that from the start, the entire team committed to setting aside 2.5 percent of their winnings if they advanced to the next round. That promise was finally realized during their stay in Kudus.
“This was indeed our vow. After passing the regional stage, we committed to donating 2.5 percent of the prize to orphans. Alhamdulillah, it could finally be carried out here in Kudus today,” he said.
According to Hery, the donation was initially planned to take place while the team was still in Jakarta. However, a tight schedule leading up to the national round meant the effort could only be fulfilled once the entire delegation arrived in Kudus.
Approximately 20 to 25 children from local care institutions in Kudus received the aid. For Hery, success on the field should go hand-in-hand with care for the community. “We want our success on the field to also be beneficial to society,” he added.
The gesture was warmly received by the beneficiary organization. Sofi’i, leader of the Al Achsaniyyah Islamic Boarding School and a representative for the recipients, praised the players and coaching staff of Putri JP U-18 Jakarta for taking time to give back despite their demanding competition schedule.
As the HYDROPLUS Soccer League All Stars enters its pivotal stages, Putri JP U-18 Jakarta has demonstrated that athletic development extends far beyond the final whistle. From the ritual of writing prayers for their parents before lights out to the commitment of supporting orphans upon achieving their goals, the team prioritizes character building alongside competitive success. These values remain central to their journey, leaving a legacy that transcends the results on the scoreboard. (ITN/mainkekudus)