Kudus – From the soccer fields of Kudus to the heart of elite training in France, the journey of Della Citra Ayu Anggraeni highlights how persistence and dedication can elevate a young athlete to the national stage. The 14-year-old midfielder and team captain of Spegaku Balistha (SMP Negeri 3 Kudus) has successfully earned a spot in the Indonesia U-17 Women's National Team. Her participation in training camps and exhibition matches in France serves as a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Her achievement not only brings pride to her family and school but also underscores the growing strength of women's soccer in Kudus in producing talent capable of competing at national and international levels.
Della, an eighth-grade student at SMP Negeri 3 Kudus, stands as a prime example of emerging regional talent ready to compete on the national stage. Alongside her schoolmate, Asyifa Sholawa Farizqi, she was selected for a development program that led her to train at The Clairefontaine Academy in France, a globally recognized hub for developing young players.
Della’s rise did not happen overnight. Her development began in elementary school, supported by her family, school, coaches, and access to various youth women's soccer competitions.
Della Citra Ayu Anggraeni was born on April 27, 2012. She has shown an affinity for athletics from a young age, enjoying swimming and various outdoor activities with friends alongside her soccer pursuits.
Her interest in soccer emerged when she was in the fifth grade. She notes that she chose the sport for its enjoyment and the opportunity it provided to build new friendships.
However, family members recall her playing soccer as early as the fourth grade. She often played in her yard or nearby open spaces, frequently competing against boys in her neighborhood.
Della’s father, Mashadi, described his daughter as naturally quiet in her daily life but visibly enthusiastic on the pitch. Her mother, Eni Kusrini, added that soccer provides a platform for her daughter to express herself more freely.
According to her family, what began as childhood play evolved into a structured pursuit through consistent training and competitive participation.
Behind Della's journey as a young athlete, family support has been a pivotal factor in her continued success. Della credits her parents as her greatest source of encouragement, helping her persevere through numerous challenges.
She admitted to facing significant difficulties, particularly during the early stages of her training and competition. These hurdles were not only physical but also mental, including moments of wanting to give up when faced with grueling circumstances.
The motivation and spirit provided by her parents were the reasons she pushed through her training. Della specifically identifies this family backing as the primary factor that has helped her remain consistent in her pursuit of football.
The family's role is also evident in their active involvement during matches. Della's parents frequently drive her to tournaments and provide support from the sidelines. They have expressed joy in watching her play and remain dedicated to supporting her chosen athletic career.
The family's aspirations for Della have grown alongside her career. From the beginning, her parents hoped she would continue to excel in football and eventually secure opportunities to play at a higher level.
Della's progression is closely linked to the developmental environment at SMP Negeri 3 Kudus. The school features a Special Sports Class (KKO) designed to nurture students with aptitude and interest in athletics.
According to Sunaryo, Principal of SMP Negeri 3 Kudus, the KKO program launched in 2019 and has since become a key facility for cultivating school-based athletic talent. The program allows students to hone their sports skills while maintaining their formal education.
Della is one of the students who followed this path. After entering the sports development program, she successfully completed the KKO selection process and joined the specialized sports class at SMP Negeri 3 Kudus.
Spegaku Balistha Head Coach Cucun Sulistyo explained that training is conducted through a team-based system, without special treatment for specific individuals. This approach is intended to build motivation, mental toughness, and adaptability during play.
The curriculum includes training for both full-sized and small-sided fields. According to Cucun, a key challenge for young players is adjusting to 11-a-side matches, which require a greater understanding of spatial awareness compared to smaller-sided games. Consequently, adaptation training remains a critical component of the program.
On the pitch, Della is recognized for her role as a defensive midfielder, a position that demands the ability to read the game, maintain team balance, and distribute the ball effectively to teammates.
SMP Negeri 3 Kudus football coach Ahmad Riza Aftoni noted that Della possesses strong ball distribution skills and a tactical understanding that supports her role as a vital link between the lines.
Beyond her technical skills, he observed that Della demonstrates a strong drive in training and competition. He added that the young player is capable of adapting to the team's needs and can perform in multiple positions when required.
Within the team environment, Della is also credited with having good interpersonal skills. This trait is believed to have aided her transition, both at the school level and when joining higher-level development programs.
Before receiving the opportunity to represent the Indonesia Women's U-17 National Team, Della had already recorded several accomplishments at the youth level.
Among her notable achievements was winning the Best Player award at the 2023 MilkLife Soccer Challenge. This accolade is a milestone in her competitive journey throughout various junior women's football tournaments.
Consistent competitive experience has enabled Della to refine her technical skills and gain a deeper understanding of match dynamics. These various competitions eventually provided the platform for a selection process that led to her call-up to the national team.
For the local school system and youth soccer development programs in Kudus, her achievement serves as a testament to the effectiveness of the talent development initiatives implemented over recent years.
A pivotal moment in Della’s career was the opportunity to participate in a training camp and exhibition matches at The Clairefontaine Academy in France with the Indonesia U-17 Women’s National Team.
Della noted that she spent approximately one week in France, during which she participated in intensive training sessions and engaged with more senior players.
This international exposure provided her with a glimpse into a footballing environment significantly different from the one she is accustomed to in Indonesia. According to Della, the experience bolstered her motivation, technical ability, and confidence as she pursues a professional soccer career.
She added that she gained valuable insights that she intends to apply throughout her future development as an athlete.
Her stint at The Clairefontaine Academy in France stands as a formative experience that has broadened her perspective on international-level soccer.
Despite still being in junior high school, Della has set ambitious goals for her career, including the aspiration to play in Europe.
Della identified her time in France as a key motivator for continuous improvement, framing her dream as a long-term roadmap sustained by rigorous training and development.
Furthermore, Della’s influence is beginning to resonate within her community. Coach Ahmad Riza Aftoni stated that her journey, from elementary school to reaching the U-17 Women’s National Team, serves as a model for other young players in Kudus.
Principal Sunaryo expressed hope that Della's achievements will encourage other students to pursue their full potential, whether in sports or other fields.
For Della, her journey stands as proof that opportunities are earned through persistence. She expressed her gratitude to those who supported and encouraged her while she balanced her responsibilities as both a student and an athlete.
Della Citra Ayu Anggraeni’s career highlights the development of young athletes nurtured by school, family, and local sports communities. From playing soccer in elementary school to training with the Indonesia U-17 Women's National Team in France, each stage has been integral to her growth. Still young, Della continues to pursue her dual path as a student and a rising soccer talent with national-level experience. (sns/mkk)
