Della Citra Ayu, a Young Talent from Kudus, Secures a Spot on the Indonesia U-17 Women's National Team and Heads to France for Training
Kudus – From the soccer fields of Kudus to a premier training facility in France, the journey of Della Citra Ayu Anggraeni highlights how dedication and consistency can propel a young athlete onto the global stage. The 14-year-old defensive midfielder and captain of the Spegaku Balistha team (SMP Negeri 3 Kudus) has successfully broken into the Indonesia Women's U-17 national squad. Participating in training camps and friendly matches in France marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Her achievements not only bring pride to her family and school but also underscore the growing potential of women's soccer in Kudus to develop players capable of competing at both national and international levels.
Della, an eighth-grade student at SMP Negeri 3 Kudus, stands as a prime example of the emerging young talent in the region ready to compete nationally. 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 facility renowned for elite youth player development.
Della's ascent to this level was not achieved overnight. Her progress began in elementary school, supported by her family, school, coaches, and opportunities to compete in various youth-level women's soccer tournaments.
Early Introduction to Soccer in Elementary School
Della Citra Ayu Anggraeni was born on April 27, 2012. From a young age, she demonstrated an affinity for sports. Beyond soccer, she enjoys swimming and participating in outdoor recreational activities with her friends.
Her serious interest in soccer blossomed during her fifth year of primary school. She credits the sport for providing an enjoyable experience while offering a platform to connect with a wider circle of friends.
However, family members note that her passion for soccer dates back to her fourth year of primary school. At home, she frequently played with neighborhood friends, most of whom were boys, utilizing both her yard and local open spaces.
Della’s father, Mashadi, described her as typically quiet in her daily life, but noted she displays immense enthusiasm on the pitch. Her mother, Eni Kusrini, echoed this sentiment, observing that soccer provides her daughter with a unique outlet for self-expression.
According to her family, what began as casual, daily play eventually evolved into a more disciplined pursuit through structured training and competitive matches.
Family support in career development
Behind Della’s journey as a young athlete, her family’s support has been a cornerstone of her success. Della describes her parents as her greatest source of encouragement, helping her persevere through numerous challenges.
I acknowledge that she faced early difficulties, particularly during the initial stages of training and competition. These hurdles were both physical and mental, at times leading to thoughts of giving up when faced with high-pressure situations.
Her parents’ motivation and constant encouragement are the primary reasons she stayed committed to her training. Della explicitly identifies her family’s backing as the driving force behind her consistency in pursuing football.
The family’s involvement extends to her match-day activities as well. Della’s parents frequently transport and accompany her to competitions. They express great joy in watching her play, remaining steadfast supporters of her chosen career path in sports.
Their expectations for Della have grown alongside her career. From the beginning, her parents have hoped that she would continue to excel in football and secure opportunities to compete at higher levels.
Developing Talent at SMP Negeri 3 Kudus
Della’s progress is closely tied to the athletic development environment at SMP Negeri 3 Kudus. The school features a Special Sports Class (KKO) designed to foster students with an interest and aptitude for athletics.
According to the principal of SMP Negeri 3 Kudus, Sunaryo, the KKO program launched in 2019 and serves as a vital incubator for young athletes. Through this program, students are able to hone their athletic skills while maintaining their formal education.
Della is one of the beneficiaries of this pathway. After entering the athletic development program, she succeeded in the selection process to join the sports class at SMP Negeri 3 Kudus.
Spegaku Balistha head coach, Cucun Sulistyo, explained that the training is conducted through a team-based system without special treatment for individuals. This approach is intended to cultivate motivation, mentality, and adaptability on the pitch.
The training curriculum includes adapting to both full-sized and small-sided games. Cucun noted that a common challenge for young players is adjusting to high-level, 11-a-side matches, which require a much broader field awareness. Consequently, adaptation training has become a key component of the curriculum.
Role as Defensive Midfielder
On the field, Della is known for her role as a defensive midfielder. This position requires strong vision, an ability to maintain team balance, and precise distribution to her teammates.
SMP Negeri 3 Kudus football coach Ahmad Riza Aftoni noted that Della possesses excellent passing range and a tactical understanding that supports her role as a vital link between the lines.
Beyond technical aspects, he observed that Della demonstrates a strong work ethic in training and matches. According to the coach, the young player is highly adaptable and can fill multiple positions when required by the team.
Within the team environment, Della is also recognized for her ability to communicate well with her peers. This character is believed to have facilitated her integration, both at the school level and in more advanced development programs.
Junior Level Achievements
Before the opportunity to represent the Indonesia U-17 Women’s National Team, Della established a strong track record at the youth level.
Among her accolades is the Best Player award at the 2023 MilkLife Soccer Challenge. This honor is a highlight of her competitive journey across various junior-level 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 opened doors for her selection, leading to her call-up for the national team.
For the local school community and football development programs in Kudus, this achievement stands as a tangible result of the youth development efforts sustained over the past few years.
Training Experience in France
A pivotal moment in Della’s career was the opportunity to join 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 comprehensive training sessions and engaged with more senior players.
This international exposure allowed her to experience a football environment distinct from the standard in Indonesia. According to Della, the experience significantly boosted her motivation, technical proficiency, and self-confidence as a developing athlete.
She added that she gained valuable insights that she intends to apply to her future growth as a professional player.
Her stint at The Clairefontaine Academy in France remains a formative experience that broadened her perspective on the international football landscape.
Chasing Dreams and Inspiring Peers
Despite her young age as a middle school student, Della has already set clear objectives for her football career, including a long-term ambition to play professionally in Europe.
For Della, the training in France serves as a constant source of motivation to continuously improve. That ambition now guides her commitment to rigorous training and persistent development.
Della’s progress is also making a local impact. Coach Ahmad Riza Aftoni believes that her journey—from primary school player to the U-17 Women's National Team—serves as an exemplary model for other young talents in Kudus.
School Principal Sunaryo expressed hope that Della’s achievements will inspire other students to pursue and cultivate their potential, whether in sports or other academic disciplines.
For Della, her journey stands as a testament that opportunities are earned through perseverance. She expressed her gratitude to friends for their unwavering support and encouragement as she balances her life as both a student and an athlete.
Della Citra Ayu Anggraeni’s career trajectory reflects the development of a young athlete nurtured by her school, family, and local sports community. From playing soccer during elementary school to training with the Indonesia Women’s U-17 national team in France, each milestone has been integral to the growth of a young player currently honing her skills and gaining experience. At such a young age, Della continues to develop academically and athletically, having already made her mark on the national stage. (sns/mkk)
