Jordan's U-16 Women's National Team Visits Srikandi Fair Ahead of Semifinals
KUDUS – The Srikandi Fair, held from August 17–23, 2026, at the Rendeng Field in Kudus, served as a hub for community engagement during the Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026. Kudus Regent Sam’ani Intakoris and Deputy Regent Bellinda Putri Sabrina inaugurated the venue, which complements the international women’s soccer tournament featuring U-16 teams from various countries.
The fair offers visitors a variety of games, live musical entertainment, culinary options, and products available at numerous booths. Attendees can also immerse themselves in the match-day atmosphere through live broadcasts on a large screen, providing an alternative for those unable to watch the games directly from the stands. The inclusion of this area ensures the tournament extends beyond the pitch, offering diverse activities for the public.
On Thursday (Aug. 20, 2026), the Jordan U-16 Women’s National Team took advantage of a rest day to visit the Srikandi Fair. The players and coaches explored the various booths, tried skill-based games, took part in challenges, browsed for souvenirs, enjoyed fruit juices, and watched local bands on stage. The athletes also engaged with the public, posing for photos and requesting songs to sing along to. The team displayed great camaraderie, linking arms as they enjoyed the off-field entertainment.
From Kicks to Numbers at the Golden Boot Power Meter
One of the games capturing the interest of Jordan's female athletes was the Golden Boot Power Meter. This game measures kick strength when the ball is directed at a specific target, displaying the results through scores and levels that indicate the participant's power.
Putra, who manages the Golden Boot Power Meter booth, noted that the Jordanian players inquired about the game's mechanics before participating.
“They approached, curious about the game. They asked what it was and its purpose. Once it was explained that the Golden Boot Power Meter measures the force of a kick against a target, they were eager to try,” said Putra.
Following the briefing, the players took turns kicking the ball and observed the numbers generated by each attempt.
Putra observed that the players enjoyed the experience because the results were provided instantly.
“The response was positive. They were eager to see how powerful their kicks were. After trying, they could see firsthand the power and score they achieved,” Putra added.
Afterward, the group explored other games, such as Soccer Labyrinth and Ring Toss. They did not move on immediately after one game, but took time to observe and participate in several available activities.
Three-Attempt Challenge Leads to Souvenir Shopping
The group continued their tour at the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation booth, where players participated in a shoot-on-target challenge, with three attempts to hit the goal.
Ivanna, a staff member at the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation booth, noted that participants only needed one successful hit to win a sticker.
"They joined the shoot-on-target challenge. With three attempts, hitting just one target earned them a sticker. They were immediately excited to try it," Ivanna said.
The high turnout meant players had to wait for their turns, a situation they used to browse the products available at the booth.
Several players selected shirts and keychains as souvenirs. According to Ivanna, the accompanying coaches also made purchases.
"While waiting for their turn due to the high number of participants, they took turns shopping. Many bought Super Soccer Arena shirts, and some also purchased keychains," she said.
Ivanna estimated that about 10 or more items were purchased.
“If counted, maybe around 10 or more. The coach also joined in to make purchases,” she said.
The activity followed a simple routine. Some players participated in challenges, while others waited by browsing or shopping. Once their turn arrived, they returned to the games.
Stop at the Fruit Juice Stall
After visiting the games and souvenir booths, the group stopped at Darwati’s fruit juice stall. The players bought drinks before continuing their activities in the fair area.
Darwati expressed her delight upon learning that her customers were members of the Jordan U-16 Women’s National Team. For vendors selling at the Srikandi Fair, the group's visit became a memorable part of their event experience.
The encounter was brief. The players enjoyed some refreshments before continuing their tour, during which they had the opportunity to interact with local vendors at Rendeng Field.
Song Selections and Sing-Alongs
Following their walk, the players enjoyed a live performance by a local Kudus band, where they requested several songs and joined in the singing.
The group requested "Baby" by Justin Bieber and "The Lazy Song" by Bruno Mars. They also enjoyed Adele's "Someone Like You," with Coach Luna joining in the vocals.
The music provided a relaxing backdrop for the team after their time spent playing games and shopping.
Music helped create a relaxed atmosphere during the visit, allowing players and coaches to spend time together outside of their usual tournament schedule.
Approachability for Photos
The presence of the Jordanian players drew attention from Srikandi Fair visitors, with several fans approaching them for photos.
The players welcomed the requests, interacting with visitors and posing for pictures while enjoying the fair.
Cici, a visitor at the Srikandi Fair, remarked on the approachable and friendly demeanor of the Jordanian players.
"They seem friendly and kind. When asked for a photo, they were happy to oblige. It's exciting to see them in person," Cici said.
For Cici, the encounter provided a unique opportunity to engage with the players in a setting outside of their competitive matches.
"They are friendly and kind to visitors," she said.
Short interactions, such as taking photos, helped bridge the gap between tournament participants and visitors attending the Srikandi Fair.
Experiences Beyond the Pitch
For the Jordanian U-16 women's national team, the visit to the Srikandi Fair served as a break during the Caffino Srikandi Merdeka Cup 2026. With no match scheduled for that afternoon, the players used their downtime for leisure activities.
The team tested their kicking power at the Golden Boot Power Meter and participated in challenges at the Djarum Foundation sports booth to earn souvenirs. Afterward, they enjoyed fresh fruit juice, listened to music, and engaged with fairgoers.
These interactions allowed the players to mingle with various people at the Srikandi Fair, from game operators and booth staff to local vendors and visitors, offering a relaxed environment far removed from the intensity of the competition.
Beyond the recreational activities, the Jordanian team secured a spot in the semifinals following their final Group B match against the Nusantara women's national team. Despite scoring only one goal in the deciding game, Jordan advanced based on goal difference. This result sets up a semifinal clash between Jordan and Garuda Pertiwi, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at the Supersoccer Arena in Kudus.
As evening fell, the delegation left Rendeng Field to return to their team schedule. For the players, the visit served as a brief respite during their time in Kudus, offering a chance to enjoy games, music, souvenirs, and community interaction before returning to competitive play. (SNS/redmkk/mainkekudus)