Beyond the Competition, MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026 Athletes Enjoy an Immersive Tour of Kudus

KUDUS — Laughter and curiosity marked the arrival of young athletes participating in the MilkLife Soccer Challenge (MLSC) All Stars 2026 as they explored various sites across Kudus Regency. A day before the tournament kicked off on June 23, 2026, the players were not immediately occupied with match tactics or intensive training. Instead, the athletes from 12 cities were invited to experience another side of Kudus through a series of cultural visits.

For most participants, this was their first time visiting the 'City of Kretek.' Amidst the excitement of competition, they toured GOR Djarum, the Sunan Kudus Mosque, Raden Umar Said (RUS) Vocational High School, and PGRI 1 Vocational High School. The excursion offered fresh experiences outside their daily routines of practice and competition.

The group showed great enthusiasm throughout the tour. Players representing Kudus, Solo, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Jakarta, Bekasi, Tangerang, Surabaya, Malang, Banjarmasin, and Samarinda remained engaged, asking questions, observing their surroundings, and documenting the tour.

Beyond the Soccer Pitch

For these young athletes, the cultural visit was more than just a pre-tournament activity; it provided a chance to experience environments they had previously only heard of through stories or social media.

One site that drew significant attention was GOR Djarum, the training center for PB Djarum badminton athletes. There, the participants gained a firsthand look at professional training sessions and the specialized facilities used in elite athletic development.

Arifin, Head Coach of the Jakarta All Stars, highlighted the importance of these experiences for youth development, noting that young athletes must understand that the journey to excellence extends beyond their current matches.

“This cultural visit is crucial. We want the children to understand that the world is large and transcends soccer. Introducing them to other athletic disciplines and professional environments is vital for character building,” Arifin said.

He observed a high level of curiosity among the players, noting that many were keen to learn how athletes in other sports discipline themselves in their daily training regimens.

Bandung All Stars Assistant Coach Oktaviani Prameswari shared a similar perspective. She noted that witnessing the athlete development process firsthand at GOR Djarum provided a tangible look at the dedication required to excel in sports.

“The children now understand what the world of professional athletics is truly like. At GOR Djarum, they saw the supporting infrastructure, from technical training areas to athlete dormitories. Seeing badminton athletes train so hard has clearly fueled their ambition to work even harder,” Oktaviani said.

Astonished by the World of Animation

Beyond sports, participants were invited to explore educational and creative industry environments through a visit to SMK Raden Umar Said. At this location, players were introduced to the animation production process and works created by students.

For Siti Halfadiah from Jakarta All Stars, the visit was one of the most memorable experiences of her time in Kudus.

“It was so exciting, especially since this is my first visit to Kudus. The most impressive part for me was SMK RUS. We were invited to see how an animation school operates and watched a film they produced themselves. The final result was truly cool,” Siti said.

A sense of wonder was also evident among other participants as they observed how animated films are created through various stages. The experience opened new perspectives on how creativity and technology are becoming essential components of modern education.

Ferisa Dewi Widodo, an athlete from Bandung All Stars, said she gained significant new knowledge during the visit. Previously, she had never seen the animation or visual design production process in person.

“I gained new knowledge that I hadn't had before, such as the process of making animations and graphic designs. It was truly an exciting and valuable experience,” Ferisa explained.

For Ferisa, the experience served as a reminder that there are many fields to explore beyond sports. Although she came to Kudus to compete in a soccer tournament, she felt she gained additional, equally valuable insights.

Tracing the History of Kudus

The young athletes' journey also brought them to one of Kudus' historical and cultural landmarks, the Menara Sunan Kudus Mosque. At the site, the participants received an overview of the history and cultural values inherent to the region.

For many of the players visiting Kudus for the first time, this experience offered a chance to connect with a historical legacy they had previously only encountered in textbooks or stories.

Riyanti Saffana Suryan of the Bandung All Stars team described the activity as a memorable and rewarding experience.

"Furthermore, the opportunity to play badminton with the resident athletes was outstanding. We were able to interact directly and exchange experiences, which helped me make new friends and gain fresh perspectives," said Riyanti.

She noted that connecting with athletes from other disciplines was a highlight of the trip, allowing the participants not only to acquire new knowledge but also to forge bonds with fellow young athletes.

New Energy for the Competition

Beyond the relaxed itinerary, the visit served a broader purpose. It provided players with a brief respite from competitive pressure while enriching their experiences ahead of the tournament.

Throughout the visit, the participants clearly enjoyed each destination. Some were busy capturing moments with their teammates, while others actively engaged with their guides or showed enthusiasm for exploring their new surroundings.

This experience has added a unique dimension to their path toward the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026. Beyond the upcoming matches, the players will carry memories of the places visited, the people met, and the lessons learned during their time in Kudus.

Now, after a day of exploring the city and soaking in new experiences, the young athletes are refocusing on the pitch. With the energy gained from their cultural visit, they are prepared to begin their campaign at the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026, held from June 23–28 at the Supersoccer Arena Kudus.

For the participants, the tour may have lasted only a few hours, but the experiences gathered in Kudus served as a takeaway that will remain with them long after the tournament concludes. (JMY/FTR/mainkekudus)