KUDUS — Laughter and curiosity marked the arrival of young athletes participating in the MilkLife Soccer Challenge (MLSC) All Stars 2026 as they explored various landmarks in Kudus Regency. A day before the tournament kicks off on June 23, 2026, the players were not immediately preoccupied with match strategies or intensive training. Instead, the athletes from 12 cities were invited to discover a different side of Kudus through a series of cultural visits.
For most participants, this was their first visit to the “City of Kretek.” Amidst their competition preparations, they had the opportunity to visit the Djarum Sports Hall (GOR Djarum), the Sunan Kudus Mosque, Raden Umar Said (RUS) Vocational High School, and PGRI 1 Kudus Vocational High School. These activities offered fresh experiences outside their routine soccer training and matches.
The atmosphere was vibrant from the start of the journey. Players representing Kudus, Solo, Semarang, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Jakarta, Bekasi, Tangerang, Surabaya, Malang, Banjarmasin, and Samarinda were visibly engaged, asking questions, observing their surroundings, and documenting the experience.
For these young athletes, the cultural visit was more than just a pre-competition agenda; it was a chance to explore environments they may have only previously known through stories or social media.
One of the highlights was GOR Djarum, the training center for PB Djarum badminton athletes. There, they observed training sessions and explored the facilities dedicated to developing professional talent.
Head Coach of All Stars Jakarta, Arifin, emphasized that this experience is vital for early-childhood development, noting that young athletes must understand that their athletic journey extends far beyond their current matches.
“This cultural visit is crucial. We want the children to understand that the world is vast and goes beyond just soccer. Introducing them to other sports disciplines and professional environments is very helpful for character building,” said Arifin.
He observed that the players showed high levels of curiosity throughout the visit, with many closely watching how athletes from other sports train and cultivate discipline in their daily lives.
A similar perspective was shared by Bandung All Stars Assistant Coach Oktaviani Prameswari. She noted that visiting the Djarum Sports Center provided athletes with a firsthand look at the rigorous journey required to excel in professional sports.
“The children now have a better understanding of the professional athletic world. At the Djarum Sports Center, they observed state-of-the-art infrastructure, ranging from technical training areas to athlete dormitories. Seeing badminton players train with such intensity has certainly motivated them to push themselves even harder,” said Oktaviani.
Beyond athletics, participants were also introduced to education and the creative industry through a visit to SMK Raden Umar Said. At this location, players were given an introduction to animation production processes and the work created by students.
For Siti Halfadiah of the Jakarta All Stars, the visit was one of the most memorable experiences of her trip to Kudus.
“It was incredibly exciting, especially since this is my first visit to Kudus. The highlight for me was SMK RUS. We were shown how an animation school operates and watched a film they produced themselves. The final result was truly impressive,” Siti remarked.
Other participants expressed similar amazement while witnessing the complex stages involved in producing an animated film. The experience offered a new perspective on how creativity and technology are integral components of modern education.
Ferisa Dewi Widodo, an athlete from the Bandung All Stars, noted that she gained significant new knowledge during the visit, as she had never before seen the animation and visual design production process firsthand.
“I gained new knowledge that I hadn't known before, such as the process behind animation and graphic design. It was a truly fun and valuable experience,” explained Ferisa.
For Ferisa, the experience highlighted the many fields available to explore outside of sports. Although she came to Kudus to compete in a soccer tournament, she felt she gained additional insights that were equally rewarding.
The young athletes' journey brought them to one of Kudus' most iconic historical and cultural landmarks, the Menara Kudus Mosque. At the site, the participants received an overview of the area's history and cultural significance.
For many players visiting Kudus for the first time, the experience offered an opportunity to get a closer look at a historical heritage previously known only through textbooks or stories.
Riyanti Saffana Suryan of the Bandung All Stars team described the series of activities as a memorable experience.
“Beyond that, the chance to play badminton with the athletes there was extraordinary. We were able to interact directly and exchange experiences, which helped me make new friends and gain new insights,” said Riyanti.
She noted that meeting athletes from other disciplines was a highlight, allowing participants to not only gain new knowledge but also build friendships with fellow young athletes.
Beyond the relaxed itinerary, the visit served a broader purpose. It provided the players a reprieve from match pressures while enriching their experiences ahead of the competitive atmosphere.
Throughout the excursion, participants appeared to enjoy each destination. Some captured moments with teammates, others actively questioned guides, and many displayed genuine enthusiasm while engaging with their new surroundings.
This experience added a unique dimension to their journey toward the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026. Beyond the upcoming matches, the players carry memories of the places they visited, the people they met, and the lessons learned during their time in Kudus.
Now, after a day exploring the city and absorbing new experiences, the young athletes are refocusing on the pitch. Carrying the spirit from their cultural visit, they will begin their campaign in the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026, held from June 23–28 at the Supersoccer Arena Kudus.
For the participants, the excursion may have lasted only a few hours, but the experiences gained in Kudus will remain with them long after the tournament concludes. (JMY/FTR/mainkekudus)
