Kudus Female Footballer Asyifa Sholawa Farizqi Gains International Experience Through the U-17 National Team and a Specialized Training Program in France
KUDUS – Asyifa Sholawa Farizqi is emerging as a rising star in youth women's football following her participation in a training camp with the Indonesian U-17 Women's National Team in France. For the 13-year-old Kudus native, born December 5, 2012, the experience marks a significant milestone in a journey that began on local pitches in her hometown.
A student at SMP Negeri 3 Kudus, Syifa currently plays for both the Spegaku team—based at her school—and the Balistha club. Balancing academics with a demanding training schedule, she spends almost every day preparing on the field. Her time with the national U-17 squad in France provided her with international exposure, sharpening both her technical skills and footballing discipline.
Inspired by Her Sibling
Syifa’s football career began during her primary school years when she followed her older sibling to a local football academy. Initially, she had no particular interest in playing.
Her curiosity soon got the better of her, leading her to join the training sessions. What began as a casual attempt quickly blossomed into a central part of her life.
She has been dedicated to the sport since the second grade. Over time, consistent training and competitive match play have solidified her passion for the game.
Beyond technical development, Syifa believes football has taught her vital life lessons: independence, maturity, the value of friendship, and how to adapt to new environments.
Versatility has become a hallmark of her game. Syifa is comfortable operating in multiple positions, including as a midfielder, forward, winger, or even a goalkeeper, depending on the tactical needs of her team.
While her daily life is defined by the football pitch, Syifa has other interests. She is an avid fan of athletics, particularly track and field, which she incorporates into her fitness routine and leisure time.
Balancing School and Daily Training
As a student and young athlete, Syifa maintains a demanding schedule. School sessions run from the morning until approximately 1:00 PM. Following a brief rest, she returns to the field for training.
Training typically lasts from 4:30 PM until sunset, a routine she follows almost every day of the week.
This level of discipline is essential for her development. Amidst her busy schedule, support from her family, coaches, teammates, and the school remains vital in sustaining her commitment.
SMP Negeri 3 Kudus further supports its student-athletes through a Special Sports Class program (KKO), providing a framework for those training intensively.
However, the path hasn't always been smooth. Syifa admitted to experiencing physical exhaustion and moments of doubt regarding the rigorous training demands.
Encouragement from her parents and coaches has been her primary motivation, helping her persevere through challenges.
Received Via Direct Message
One of the most memorable moments for Syifa was receiving the invitation to join the Indonesia U-17 Women's national team.
She received the notification through a direct message from the team manager, a surprise that left her both shocked and honored.
Joining the national squad has offered a new experience for the Kudus-based trainee. Beyond meeting players from across Indonesia, she also gained the opportunity to participate in an overseas training program.
“I was surprised and proud. I did not expect to receive such an opportunity,” she said.
For Syifa, the call-up served as a gateway, broadening her horizons beyond the football environment she has known thus far.
A Week of Training in France
The most memorable highlight of Syifa’s football journey occurred during her time with the Indonesia U-17 Women’s National Team at Clairefontaine, France.
Syifa and her teammate Della from Spegaku Balistha were selected for a football training program in France, organized through a partnership between the Fédération Française de Football (FFF) and PSSI. The program included Indonesia U-17 Women’s National Team players alongside athletes from the MilkLife Soccer Challenge and Hydroplus Soccer League. During their stay in France, participants underwent various training and skill-development sessions guided by Indonesia U-17 Women’s National Team coach Timo Scheunemann.
For about a week, she engaged in various training activities and internal scrimmages with her teammates. Although friendly matches had been planned, those were ultimately canceled, leading the group to focus on internal matches instead.
Despite the short duration, experiencing a country with such a rich football tradition provided her with valuable lessons.
Syifa admitted that she struggled to believe she was actually training in Europe at such a young age.
“I am so happy. It feels like a dream to be playing football on a different continent,” she shared.
In France, she also had the opportunity to train alongside more senior players in the national team setup, an experience she counts as a major highlight of the program.
Initially, she felt awkward being surrounded by older players, but the team's inclusive atmosphere made the adaptation process easier.
Building friendships with players from various regions became a highlight of her experience, standing out just as much as the training sessions on the field.
Mastering Technical Fundamentals
One of the most significant insights Syifa gained in France involved their specific training methodologies.
She noted a clear distinction in training emphasis between Indonesia and France: while sessions in Indonesia tend to be more varied, the French program focuses heavily on the details of technical fundamentals.
Precision in passing, speed of ball movement, and overall pass quality were areas given particular attention.
This laser focus on technical precision provided a new perspective that she has sought to implement since returning to Indonesia.
Beyond technical aspects, she emphasized the importance of discipline in an athlete's daily life, recognizing that rest schedules, nutrition, and daily habits are inseparable parts of player development.
She has since shared these lessons with her teammates at her club upon returning to Kudus.
“I learned many new things there, including foundational techniques, discipline, and nutrition,” she said.
Adapting to a New Environment
Being in a foreign country presented its own set of challenges, most notably the climate.
Accustomed to the tropical heat of Indonesia, she had to adapt to much colder temperatures in France, which dropped to around six degrees Celsius.
Though initially surprised, she proved capable of adjusting to the conditions.
Language barriers were also minimal, as interpreters were available throughout the program to facilitate communication.
Beyond training, she fondly recalls lighter moments, such as the time she accidentally locked her hotel key inside her room and needed assistance to access it with a spare card.
She also enjoyed exploring French cuisine, with chicken, yogurt, fruit, and eggs becoming regular staples in her diet.
However, one local food did not quite suit her palate: the croissant, which she noted had a different texture than what she was used to in Indonesia.
Kudus as Home and Motivation
Despite her international experiences, Syifa maintains that Kudus remains a vital part of her life journey.
To her, the city where she grew up serves as a home, a support system, and a constant source of motivation to keep evolving.
The support from her family, coaches, school, and the local football community in Kudus has provided the foundation that helped her achieve the opportunities she enjoys today.
She expressed pride in representing her region on various occasions, including her opportunities to participate in national team programs.
This experience has strengthened her determination to further hone her football skills for the future.
Keeping the Dream Alive
Despite training in Europe, Syifa views the journey as just one step in a much longer process.
She remains set on playing in Europe again. Her interest in the European game is influenced by her favorite player, Federico Valverde, whose powerful shooting ability she admires.
For Syifa, the experience in France is not a conclusion, but a part of her ongoing development.
She hopes to continue progressing as a player and contributing to her teams.
To children with similar dreams, Syifa advises them not to give up when facing adversity.
"Stay motivated and never give up until you reach your goals. Paris was one step, but there are bigger dreams ahead for Indonesia," she said.
Asyifa Sholawa Farizqi’s journey illustrates how structured development, a supportive environment, and consistent training can create opportunities for young athletes to gain international exposure. From training grounds in Kudus to football centers in France, Syifa continues her path as a young player committed to learning and pursuing her future ambitions. (sns/mkk)
