HydroPlus Strikers and MilkLife Shakers Mark Debut with Runner-up Success

 

Making their international tournament debut at what is touted as the biggest youth tournament in Asia, JSSL Singapore 7’s 2025, the HydroPlus Strikers (U-14) and MilkLife Shakers (U-12) teams succeeded in securing the runner-up positions in their respective age categories. In the final matches held at The Arena, Singapore, on Sunday (April 20), both teams were defeated by host teams.

MilkLife Soccer Challenge Program Director, Teddy Tjahjono, expressed his appreciation for the achievements of both HydroPlus Strikers and MilkLife Shakers throughout the JSSL Singapore 7’s 2025 tournament. Despite being debutants, both teams managed to reach the final round.

"Although we didn’t take home the championship, we’re already very pleased with how far the teams went. Our main goal in sending HydroPlus Strikers and MilkLife Shakers to this international tournament was to measure how far they've developed. After this, of course, we will conduct evaluations to help them achieve greater success and compete in even more prestigious events," said Teddy.

Teddy further stated that beyond their runner-up titles, both teams managed to impress opposing teams and supporters alike with their quality style of play. "Many praised the kids—from athletes, coaches, and even opposing team supporters. It shows we're heading in a positive direction," he added.

During the qualification rounds (April 17–19), HydroPlus Strikers placed second with a total of 21 points. Out of nine matches, they won six, drew three, and remained undefeated. They scored 18 goals and conceded only two.

Meanwhile, the MilkLife Shakers topped Group A in the U-12 category with a perfect 21 points. They won all seven matches with no draws or losses. Remarkably, they netted 28 goals and kept a clean sheet throughout.

Head Coach of both HydroPlus Strikers and MilkLife Shakers, Timo Scheunemann, saluted his players’ performance. He reminded them not to be complacent, but to use the experience as a learning opportunity to further sharpen their skills and mental toughness. He expressed optimism that these players, shaped by the MilkLife Soccer Challenge, would shine even more in the future.

"Both teams could have performed even better during the tournament. But since this was their first experience facing international teams, some avoidable mistakes did occur. Still, we’re proud of how they showed developing mental strength as athletes," said Timo.

For the final match held at The Arena Singapore, two 50m x 30m fields were combined into one. Although the match duration remained 25 minutes with no breaks, both HydroPlus Strikers and MilkLife Shakers had to exert extra energy for attack and defense.

On the fourth day of the tournament, HydroPlus Strikers won 1-0 in the semifinals against Singapore's National Development Center (NDC) A, with a goal from Kesya A. M. Nian. However, in the final, they fell 0-2 to group leaders Lion City Sailors (Singapore).

HydroPlus Strikers’ central defender, Kazumi Z. A. Nurlan, said that one of the reasons for their defeat was the pitch size. Although they didn’t win the title, the student of SDN 203 Kacapiring Bandung found the tournament a valuable learning experience.

"Our training field is not as big as the one in the final, so we ran out of energy faster. Still, I’m grateful we finished second and gained lots of experience—like proper defending, player communication, and mental growth. I hope someday I can represent the Indonesian national team," said Kazumi.

As for MilkLife Shakers, they defeated Lion City Sailors (Singapore) 3-0 in the quarterfinals with goals from Albianca Raula, Rere Zenita Farza, and Giada Soebianto. Another 3-0 win followed in the semifinals against Singapore Football Club, with Giada, Rere, and Ika Wonda scoring. Unfortunately, they lost 0-1 to NDC A in the final.

The loss brought many MilkLife Shakers players to tears, including Locita Waranggani Olah Nismara. Their clean sheet record, held since day one of the tournament, was broken by NDC A. Nevertheless, “Loli,” as she’s known, expressed gratitude for the chance to shine alongside her teammates.

"Alhamdulillah, we became runners-up. Even though we didn’t win, the team was united and played with great spirit. We weren’t intimidated by our opponents’ size because our skills could match theirs. This result was also thanks to my mom and sister who supported me from the sidelines since Thursday (April 16)," said the SDN Pacarkeling V Surabaya student.

Locita’s mother, Mela Damayanti, flew directly from Surabaya to Singapore to provide moral support. Her cheers from the sidelines and loving presence were intended to boost her daughter’s spirit. "I planned this trip well in advance. I couldn’t accompany Loli to China (Universal Youth Cup) before, so I’m proud of what she and her team achieved here," said Mela.

After completing the tournament, players from both HydroPlus Strikers and MilkLife Shakers were given free time to explore some of Singapore’s iconic landmarks, accompanied by their coaches. These included Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, and Universal Studios Singapore.

The achievements of HydroPlus Strikers and MilkLife Shakers at the JSSL Singapore 7’s 2025 were made possible thanks to the contributions of Assistant Head Coach Asep Sunarya, U-12 Assistant Coach Maya Susmita, U-14 Assistant Coach Yayat Hidayat, and Team Manager Edi Supriyanto.

Line-Up of MilkLife Shakers and HydroPlus Strikers at JSSL Singapore 7’s:

MilkLife Shakers (U–12 Team):

1. Ayla Putri Ariyanto – SD 1 Wergu Kulon Kudus (Goal Keeper)

2. Queisha Sava Azzalva – SD UT Bumi Kartini Jepara (Goal Keeper)

3. Rere Zenita Farza – SD UT Bumi Kartini Jepara

4. Adinda Resti Widayati – SDN Tempel Surakarta

5. Renanthera Alun Addya P. – SD UT Bumi Kartini Jepara

6. Andien Haifa Syakira – SD Cinta Kasih Tsu Chi Jakarta

7. Locita Waranggani Olah Nismara – SDN Pacarkeling V Surabaya

8. Albianca Raula – SDN Kebagusan 03 Jakarta

9. Ika Wonda – SD Kristen Manahan Surakarta

10. Rara Zenita Fatin – SD UT Bumi Kartini Jepara

11. Giada Soebianto – Edison Elementary California Los Angeles, USA

12. Zahra Izzati Naila Alkhaliqi – SD Pojokusuman 1 Yogyakarta

HydroPlus Strikers (U–14 Team):

1. Alliya Khoirunissa – SMPN 12 Kota Bogor

2. Bilqis Fatimah Azzahra – SMPN 2 Lembang

3. Regina Mikaela Lintang Putri – SD Kanisius Duwet Kabupaten Sleman

4. Asyifa Sholawa Farizqi – SDN 2 Rendeng Kudus

5. Ayla Dva Khala Ahisma – SDN Nanggulan

6. Della Citra Ayu – SMP 3 Kudus

7. Zian A. Rahmadani – SD Al Islah

8. Clea Abelia – SDN Kalisari 01 Jakarta

9. Andara Alisya – SDN Mekarjaya 12 Depok

10. Amanda Fitriani – SDN 073 Pajagalan A Bandung

11. Kazumi Zalfa Arrobi’ Nurlan – SDN 203 Kacapiring Bandung

12. Kesya A. M. Nian – SDN Inpres Perumnas 2 Waena Jayapura

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